Although people commonly divide fruits and vegetables based on how they are used in cooking, there is no strict culinary rule separating the two. Some foods widely regarded as vegetables, including cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes and bell peppers, are actually fruits from a botanical perspective.

The key scientific difference comes from the part of the plant they originate from. Fruits form from a plant’s flowers and usually carry seeds, while vegetables typically come from other parts of the plant, such as stems, roots, leaves or flower buds.

Based on this definition, avocados are fruits, according to Healthline. Botanists further classify them as large berries with a single seed.

Originally from Mexico, avocados grow on trees in warm regions. They are recognized for their smooth, creamy texture and thick, rough skin, which can range in color from dark green to nearly black.

A 50-gram serving, equivalent to around half a small avocado or one-third of a medium-sized one, provides about 84 calories. Avocados are also packed with healthy fats and nutrients that are associated with a range of potential health benefits.