Tag: Rutaceae

The cucumber, a member of the gourd family, is botanically classified as a berry, not a citrus fruit. Despite its occasional yellow appearance (like the "lemon cucumber") or its use with acidic ingredients, a cucumber is not considered a citrus and belongs to an entirely different plant family.

While it may be loaded with vitamin C, sometimes even more than an orange, guava is not considered a citrus fruit. This common misconception is understandable given their shared nutrient profile, but their botanical classifications reveal a distinct difference that sets them apart.

While both are sources of vitamin C, a common misconception is that strawberries are citrus fruits, but this is botanically incorrect. The flavorful, juicy red strawberry comes from the rose family (*Rosaceae*), a completely different plant group from the citrus family (*Rutaceae*). This distinction explains their unique flavor, structure, and cultivation methods.

In 2022, 76 million tonnes of oranges were produced globally, and while most people know them as a fruit, their botanical classification is far more precise. To properly answer the question, "What category do oranges fall under?", one must delve into the science of fruit taxonomy.