A pumpkin is technically a giant berry called a pepo, not a vegetable.

In botanical terms, a berry is a fleshy fruit that develops from a single ovary. Pumpkins belong to the family Cucurbitaceae and the genus Cucurbita, which includes species such as Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita maxima. These plants produce a specialized fruit type called a pepo, defined by its hard, thick rind and undivided interior structure.According to researchers at the Missouri Botanical Garden, the pepo's structure is unique because the outer wall of the ovary fuses with the receptacle to create a protective outer layer called the exocarp. This evolutionary adaptation allows the fruit to withstand environmental stress and protect seeds until they mature. This botanical classification traces back to early taxonomic systems established by pioneers like Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.While culinary traditions classify pumpkins as vegetables based on their savory flavor profile, botanical science focuses on reproductive structures. Other common "vegetables" that are technically pepo berries include zucchini, cantaloupe, and squash. In the United States alone, over 1.5 billion pounds of these giant berries are produced annually, with Illinois leading as the top producer according to USDA statistics.The distinction between culinary and botanical definitions is essential for plant biology and agriculture. Understanding pepo structure helps farmers optimize pollination and develop disease-resistant crops. Despite their enormous size—some giant varieties exceed 900 kg—pumpkins remain anatomically identical to the smaller berries in their family.