What are fruits? In scientific terms, a fruit is an angiosperm structure containing seeds, or a ripened, thickened ovary of a flower, which protects developing seeds and aids in their dispersal. An angiosperm is a flowering plant which forms seeds inside a protective chamber called an ovary. This means that some vegetables such as tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers are actually fruits. The grain and fleshy fruits that we consume are easily identified as plant products, but what else is considered to be an angiosperm or a "plant product?" Spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, ginger, and licorice are all considered to be angiosperms. Black pepper is an angiosperm. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then they are dried and either sold as peppercorns or are ground into a powder. In medieval Europe peppercorns were so valuable that they were used to pay rent, taxes, and even left in wills, and included in dowries.
Biology: Concepts & Connections. Jane B. Reece; Jean L. Dickey; Martha R. Taylor; Kelly Hogan; Eric J. Simon; Neil A. Campbell. Chapter 17, Page 352, Section 17.9 Angiosperms sustain us -- and add spice to our diet.
Definitions - Glossary page 2 - Angiosperm; Glossary page 12 - Fruit.
http://www.course-notes.org/biology/topic_notes/28_evolution_of_plants/sites/www.course-notes.org/files/past/images/angiosperm.gif
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/graphics/stamen.jpg
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