Try Not Calling Olives a Fruit—The Truth Shocked the Science World

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:57:39 +0000

Try Not to Call Olives a Fruit—The Truth Shocked the Science World When someone says “olive,” most immediately imagine a savory olive garnish or a tense Mediterranean dish. But what if we told you: olives are more than just a flavor—scientists are not just flexing their knowledge, they’re shocking the world by officially reclassifying olives as fruit—not vegetables. This unexpected revelation has sent ripples through botany, nutrition, and even culinary culture. ### Why The Debate Over Olives as Fruit Matters At first glance, olives seem like veggies—small, green or black, commonly paired with bread or salad. But scientifically, the classification hinges on botanical definitions. A true fruit develops from a flowering plant’s ovary and contains seeds. While unripe olives are technically drupes (like plums or cherries), by the time they’re harvested and prepared for eating, most popular olives have lost their functional seeds and adopted a processed human-centric form.