Did you know that bananas are berries and strawberries are not? It may sound absurd, but it’s true! In fact, the botanical definition of a berry may surprise you.

So, what exactly is a berry? Botanically speaking, a berry is a fruit produced from a single ovary of a flower, with the seeds embedded inside the flesh. Berries can come in many shapes and sizes, and they can be either fleshy or dry. However, not all fruits commonly referred to as "berries" are true botanical berries.

Take the strawberry, for instance. Despite its name, it is not actually a berry. Instead, it is an "aggregate fruit" because it is formed from multiple ovaries of a single flower. Each little seed on the outside of the strawberry is technically a separate ovary containing a seed, which explains why they're referred to as "achenes."

On the other hand, bananas are true berries, according to the botanical definition. They are produced from a single flower with one ovary, and the seeds are embedded in the flesh of the fruit. Bananas are also classified as "climacteric fruits," which means they continue to ripen after being picked, due to the release of ethylene gas.

So, if you ever find yourself in a debate about whether a banana or a strawberry is a true berry, now you know the answer! You can also impress your friends by sharing the fact that watermelons, pumpkins, and avocados are also considered berries.

It’s funny to think that we’ve been calling strawberries “berries” our whole lives, when they’re not even true berries. But, I guess we can give them a break since they’re still a delicious fruit. Meanwhile, bananas, the true berries, are one of the most popular fruits in the world.

The world of fruits and berries can be quite surprising, and it just goes to show that there is always something new to learn. Who knows, maybe someday we'll find out that apples aren't actually apples, but that's a topic for another day!

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