Why a Strawberry Has Seeds On the Outside Rather Than On the Inside Like a Traditional Fruit

Geobeats explains why the seeds of a strawberry are on the outside rather than on the inside, making it neither fruit nor berry. A traditional fruit is defined as “seed-bearing structure in flowering plants formed from the ovary after flowering” as does a berry. A strawberry is instead an aggregate accessory fruit because the exterior surface is covered not with seeds, but with achenes, the ovaries of the flower, which contain a seed inside.

What we think are “seeds” are actually the ovaries of the plant itself, and the part we eat is holding them together.

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.