Only 1 in 19 People Can Accurately Classify These Fruits and Vegetables. Can You?

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
3 min
Only 1 in 19 People Can Accurately Classify These Fruits and Vegetables. Can You?
Image: Shutterstock

About This Quiz

The majority of people believe that fruits and vegetables are groups that don't have subcategories. But they do. And you know that, or else you wouldn't be here. These groups include, but aren't limited to, drupes, grains, pomes, pepos, and roots. Each group has its defining features that allow certain foods to be placed in its ranks, and while one food can fit into many groups, we're asking you to identify the most obvious one. So, are you up to it?

Grains are tiny, dry seeds that may or may not have a fruit layer attached to them, while seeds are items that can be sown. Legumes can be seeds, which also totally confuses things, but they're members of the Fabaceae family. Drupes have fleshy outer layers and a single pit, while berries are small and pulpy and don't have pits or stones. Hesperidium and pepos are a kind of berry, but the former have leathery rinds, while the latter's is hard (like a pumpkin). Pomes have tissue that is clearly separated from its seeds, while roots grow in the ground. Nuts have seeds that are surrounded by hard shells and fungi produce spores. 

Now that you know what to look for, do you think you can correctly place these foods into their correct groups? Take this quiz to find out! 

nectarine Fruit
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
Seed
Drupe
A nectarine is made up of a hardened seed surrounded by flesh, and an outer fleshy part called skin. These fruits are classified as drupes and thrive in warmer temperatures.
Nut

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Strawberry Short Kook
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
These bright colored berries are produced from the ovary of a singular flower whose outer layer develops into a plump edible portion.
Nut
Legume
Grain

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Cucumber
shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Seed
Nut
Root
Pepo
Cucumbers are fleshy fruits that fall into the groups pepo and drupe. Cucumbers are made up of a thick, hard outer rind and a soft jelly center. The soft fleshy inner tissue of the cucumber is derived from the middle of the ovary.

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Flax
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
Seed
Flax is an undeveloped plant surrounded by a protective outer layer and is classified as a seed. Flax can be utilized for food, textiles and oil production; the oil of flax is known as linseed oil.
Pome
Drupe

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Potatoes
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Pepo
Root
Potatoes are stem tubers that play a vital role in the world's food supply. These root vegetables store nutrients over periods of time when they cannot grow.
Drupe
Pome

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Quince
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Seed
Pome
When quince become mature, they are yellow fruit that can be consumed after being cooked. They are classified as pome because of their tough core that contains seeds.
Hesperidium
Nut

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Brazil Nut
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Root
Grain
Hesperidium
Seed
These edible seeds are native to Venezuela, Brazil and eastern Bolivia and belong to the seeds group because of their hard exterior and capability to develop into another plant.

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Kumquat
TMDB or Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
Kumquats have explosive oil glands within their pits; their insides are made up of different sections, called carpels. They belong to the group hesperidium that is equipped with a tough, leathery rind.
Nut
Fungi
Pepo

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Chinese Chestnut
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Chestnuts are classified as nuts because they are a fruit which is surrounded by a tough shell enfolded around an edible kernel. The fruit of the chestnut is contained within a spiky cupule protecting it from squirrels and other predators.
Berry
Drupe
Root

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Sesame
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Fungi
Grain
Seed
This is the oldest oilseed crop known to man, and it belongs to the seed group. These seeds can be found in a variety of colors, depending on the cultivar.
Pepo

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Pear Fruit
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Seed
Nut
Pepo
Pome
The pear has a tough outer skin that is usually green, yellow or red. It also contains inner seeds and belongs to the pome group. Pears are at their ripest when the skin around the stem becomes pressure sensitive.

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Cashew
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Seed
This boxing glove-shaped seed is also classified as a drupe. The fruit bears a single seed and is widely consumed all over the world. The cashew can be used to make cashew butter or cheese, or it can be eaten on its own.
Berry
Legume
Hesperidium

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Cherry
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Grain
Drupe
Cherries are round, stone fruit belonging to the drupe group. They are typically bright red and have two species, sweet cherry and sour cherry. Most temperate latitudes can sustain the growth of cherries.
Root

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Wild Blackberry
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
Drupe
Fungi
Berry
This edible fruit becomes a deep purple when it is fully ripe. Blackberries fall into the berry category because they are juicy, bright colored and have no stone or pit. Mexico is the leading producer of blackberries.

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Sweet Potatoes
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Root
After being stored, yams will continue to respire, which causes the starch in this root vegetable to become oxidized. Yams must be safely cooked to be eaten and can cause illness if consumed raw.
Berry
Pepo

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Pumpkin
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Root
Pepo
Pumpkins are modified berries with a hard outer rind, classifying them as pepo. The pulp and seeds are inside the deep yellow or orange, thick shell.
Seed
Nut

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Hazlenut
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Grain
Pome
Nut
Hazelnuts fall from their fibrous husk when ripe. These nuts have an edible kernel that can be used raw, roasted or ground up and made into a paste. Hazelnuts are harvested mid-autumn, which is when the trees shed their leaves and nuts.

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Corn
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Pepo
Grain
Corn falls into the categories of both grains and seeds. Corn is not a true seed, but its fruit kernels take on the role of seeds.
Drupe

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Olive Fruit
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
Drupe
This fruit is a core ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine and belongs to the drupe family because of its soft middle, outer skin and stone core which contains a seed.
Fungi
Root

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Almond
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Almonds have an outer hull with a hard shell containing a seed, and are classified as a drupe. Almonds can be eaten raw or toasted and can be used to produce almond milk and almond flour.
Legume
Berry
Grain

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Orange Food
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
This sweet, citrus fruit falls into the hesperidium group because of its pulp sections that are separated by its peelable rind. This fruit requires large amounts of water and sunshine to thrive.
Drupe
Grain
Pepo

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Acai berry
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Seed
Drupe
These dark berries are small, purple drupes similar to a grape, with its seed making up 60- 80 percent of the fruit. Acai can also be considered a berry because a single ovary produces multiple seeds.
Grain

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Sunflower
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Pepo
Seed
The sunflower seed is the fruit of the sunflower plant. These seeds can be classified by the patterning on their husks. Sunflower seeds are most commonly eaten as a snack.
Pome

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Peach
Wiki Commons By Lucien Monfils
Which group does this food belong to?
Root
Pepo
Fungi
Drupe
A distinguishing characteristic of a peach is its fuzzy skin. These drupes are juicy, edible fruit with a central seed.

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Pistachio
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Grain
Seed
Pistachios have beige-colored shells and belong to the drupe and seeds groups. These fruits can be consumed when ripened. When mature, the shell of a pistachio changes color and opens slightly.
Hesperidium
Legume

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Cremini mushrooms
shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
Drupe
Fungi
The mushroom can grow above ground on soil or on its food source. These fleshy spores belong to the fungi group. Not all mushrooms are edible and identifying poisonous mushrooms requires careful attention to detail.
Nut

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Tomatoes
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
Tomatoes belong to the berry group. These edible fruits consist of an ovary and multiple seeds. It is cultivated in temperate climates and has numerous variations.
Nut
Pome
Root

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Citron
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Drupe
Legume
Hesperidium
This fragrant citrus fruit belongs to the hesperidium group and has a thick yellow rind. Citron was one of the four original citrus fruits from which other types of citrus grew.

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Walnut
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Grain
Nut
Drupe
Walnuts are seeds of a drupe. These single-seeded stone fruits are contained within a shell and a green husk.
Fungi

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Kiwi
Shutterstock / AleksandraN
Which group does this food belong to?
Berry
Kiwis are classified as berries. This fruit is made up of a fibrous skin, usually greenish brown, is soft and sweet and has an inner flesh with tiny, edible black seeds.
Hesperidium
Fungi
Root

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Chia
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Seed
These seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They are small ovals that are a mix of black, gray, brown and white. When soaked, chia seeds develop a gel-like texture.
Pepo
Fungi

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Watermelon
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Hesperidium
Pepo
This large edible fruit is grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions. Watermelons are classified as pepos because of their hard rind. The inner flesh of a watermelon is deep red or pink and speckled with black seeds.
Nut

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Rip Van Lemon
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Fungi
Grain
Drupe
Hesperidium
This small ellipsoid-shaped fruit is used primarily for its juice. Lemons are part of the hesperidium group and have a citric acid level of 5- 6 percent.

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Plum fruit
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Drupe
The central stone surrounded by the fleshy fruit makes the plum a drupe. Plums can be either sweet or tart and can be eaten raw or made into jams or juice.
Berry
Seed

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Poppy seeds
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Legume
Berry
Seed
Poppies are tiny kidney-shaped seeds that have a pitted surface. They can be used as a spice, pastry decoration or paste.
Root

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Peas
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Root
Berry
Legume
Peas are green seeds that are formed within pods and are harvested as a crop for consumption. These spherical seeds are categorized as legumes and flourish during the cool season.
Hesperidium

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Barbados cherry
Yercaud-elango
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
Seed
Nut
Berry
This bright red cherry belongs to the berry group and is extremely rich in vitamin C. It can be found in the Caribbean, South America and southern parts of Brazil.

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Pecan
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Pecans belong to the drupe group. These fruits have a single stone surrounded by a husk. The seed of the pecan is edible and has a buttery flavor.
Seed
Berry
Grain

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Apricot fruit
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
This fruit ranges from orange to yellow and has a small round shape with a smooth surface. Apricots are sweet or tart and are classified as drupes because of their firm juicy flesh and single seed enclosed within a hard shell.
Legume
Hesperidium
Berry

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Lunar Lime
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Grain
Nut
Seed
Hesperidium
This green citrus fruit belongs to the hesperidium group. Limes have a hard outer rind and inner juice sacs containing a very sour liquid. Limes are used in culinary applications because of their sour, zesty taste and fresh-smelling fragrance.

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Brown Rice
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Pepo
Drupe
Grain
These are seeds of a grass and are cultivated as a grain. Rice is the most widely consumed staple worldwide. It comes in different shapes, colors, and sizes and even plays significant roles in religious ceremonies, such as being scattered at the end of weddings.

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Acorn
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Nut
Acorns belong to the nut group. They produce a single seed from a cupule and are wrapped around a tough leather-like shell. Large mammals, like bears, deer, and pigs, consume a considerable number of acorns.
Root
Pepo

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Currant
Viola sonans
Which group does this food belong to?
Grain
Nut
Berry
Edible currants include redcurrant, blackcurrant, and white currant;. This fruit belongs to the berry group. It is round, has no pit or stone and can be made into jams and preserves.
Seed

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Coconut
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Drupe
Coconuts are sometimes referred to as nuts, but this fruit is a drupe. Coconuts have an exocarp and mesocarp which form the husk.
Nut
Seed
Grain

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Macadamia Nut
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
Nut
Macadamia falls into the nut group. Its edible kernel is surrounded by a tough shell. Only three species of macadamia are utilized commercially. The remainder are poisonous.
Pome
Root

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Peanut
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Nut
Legume
Peanuts are legumes that are housed in a hard pod. Their seeds are wrapped around a paper-like shell. The pod of a peanut can contain one to four seeds. Peanuts are used to make peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour.
Drupe
Root

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Wheat
n/a
Which group does this food belong to?
Root
Drupe
Grain
This grass is grown widely worldwide and is utilized for its seeds. Wheat falls into the grain category and is grown more than any other food crop in the world.
Berry

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Mango
Wiki Commons
Which group does this food belong to?
Pepo
Berry
Nut
Drupe
This fruit is derived from different species of tropical trees. Mangoes are categorized as drupes because of their stone center. When ripe, the fleshy part of the mango turns bright orange or yellow and is very sweet.

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Grapefruit
Shutterstock / Africa Studio
Which group does this food belong to?
Hesperidium
These are subtropical citrus fruits that belong to the hesperidium group. Grapefruits are spherical and have an outer rind that is yellow or orange. The inner juice sacs of the fruit are acidic and can be yellow, pink or red, depending on the cultivator.
Legume
Pome
Fungi

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Grape
Shutterstock
Which group does this food belong to?
Pome
Legume
Berry
Grapes can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies or wines. They belong to the berry group because a single fruit comes from the ovary with multiple seeds. Grapes come in clusters of 15 to 300 and can be yellow, blue, black, green, pink and orange.
Seed

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