Pumpkins may look like vegetables, but their scientific classification tells a surprising story. Whether carved for Halloween, roasted for dinner, or baked into a delicious autumn pie, pumpkins have a botanical secret: they are actually fruits!

Botanically, pumpkins belong to a group of fruits called pepos, a special type of berry. They develop from a flower’s ovary and contain seeds surrounded by fleshy tissue and protected by a tough outer rind.

Although berries usually bring blueberries or strawberries to mind, pumpkins qualify because of how they develop. They belong to the cucurbit family, alongside cucumbers, squash, and melons.

So why do people commonly consider pumpkins vegetables? The answer lies in the difference between botanical science and everyday cooking. In the kitchen, foods are generally classified according to their flavor and how they are prepared rather than how they grow.

Pumpkins are perfect for savory soups, roasted side dishes, and hearty meals. Their mild flavor and firm texture make them a natural substitute for other vegetables in countless recipes.

However, pumpkins also have a natural sweetness that makes them ideal for pies, cakes, muffins, and other seasonal desserts. Their versatility allows them to shine in both sweet and savory dishes.

The fascinating truth is that both classifications make sense. Botanically, pumpkins are fruits because they develop from flowers and contain seeds. Culinarily, they are treated as vegetables because of their typical uses in meals.

The next time you see a pumpkin on a doorstep or at a farmers’ market, remember its surprising identity. This autumn favorite is more than a Halloween decoration or a pie ingredient—it’s a fruit hiding in plain sight!