Is coconut classified as a fruit. ತೆಂಗಿನಕಾಯಿ ಒಂದು ಹಣ್ಣು.
*Yes, coconut is a fruit* 🥥 But it's a special type of fruit. Botanically it has 3 names depending on which part we talk about: *1. Botanical Classification* Coconut is a *drupe* = "stone fruit" Same category as mango, peach, cherry, almond A drupe has 3 layers: 1. *Exocarp* - Outer green/brown skin 2. *Mesocarp* - Fibrous husk / coir 3. *Endocarp* - Hard shell 4. *Seed* - White coconut meat + coconut water inside So the whole coconut = fruit. The white part we eat = seed. Coconut water = liquid endosperm. *2. Culinary Use* In cooking we treat it as 2 things: - *Fruit*: When we drink coconut water, eat tender coconut - *Nut*: When we use dried coconut, coconut oil. That's why people with nut allergies are told to avoid it sometimes *3. Legal/Trade* In many countries coconut is also classified as a *nut* for food labeling because of allergies. *Bottom line:* Botanically = *Fruit* specifically a drupe Kitchen/Allergy wise ...