In 1893, the distinction between vegetables and fruits was defined by the US Supreme Court in the case of Nix v. Hedden. The court ruled that for the purposes of the Tariff Act of 1883, vegetables should be considered plants that are typically consumed as part of the main course of a meal, while fruits are plants that are usually consumed as dessert.

This ruling came about when John Nix, a collector of customs in New York, argued that tomatoes should be classified as fruits and not subject to the import tax imposed on vegetables. The court disagreed, stating that even though tomatoes are technically fruits, they are commonly used in savory dishes and therefore should be classified as vegetables for tariff purposes.

The court's decision was based on the understanding that fruits are typically sweet and consumed as a treat or dessert, while vegetables are savory and consumed as part of a main course. This definition has since been widely accepted and is still used today in everyday language and culinary practices.

However, it is important to note that the botanical definition of a fruit is based on the structure of the plant and the presence of seeds, rather than its culinary use. According to botanists, any plant that develops from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds is considered a fruit, regardless of how it is used in cooking.

From an SEO perspective, this historical distinction between vegetables and fruits can be both interesting and informative. By providing a brief overview of the Nix v. Hedden case and its significance, this article can attract readers who are curious about the origins of this commonly accepted categorization. Additionally, using relevant keywords such as "definition of fruits and vegetables" and "Nix v. Hedden case" can help optimize the article for search engine rankings and increase its visibility to potential readers.

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