False Facts About Vegetables You’ve Probably Believed Your Whole Life

Think you know your veggies? Think again. The truth about these humble plants might surprise you—and bust some myths you’ve been believing forever. Ready to get your mind (and your snack game) upgraded?

Baby Carrots Grow That Way — Nope.

Those perfectly snackable baby carrots? They’re not born adorable. They’re actually regular carrots machine-cut and shaved down to size. Think of them as carrot glow-ups, not a separate species.

Corn is a vegetable — well, sometimes.

Botanically, corn kernels are actually fruits (because they’re seeds), but since we eat the kernels fresh or cooked, it’s often classified as a vegetable in cooking. Also, when corn is dried, it’s considered a grain. So corn is kind of a triple threat!

Cucumbers are mostly water, so they don’t have many nutrients.

While cucumbers are about 95% water, they still pack antioxidants, vitamins (like K), and fiber. Plus, that crunch? Great for hydration and digestion!

Broccoli is a brain food — but only if you eat the right part.

The florets have loads of nutrients, but the stalks and leaves are also edible and rich in fiber and vitamins. Don’t toss those stalks — they’re tasty when roasted or added to soups.

Eggplants absorb oil like a sponge — so cooking them is always unhealthy.

True, eggplants can soak up oil, but with the right prep—like salting and squeezing out moisture—you can keep the oil use down while still enjoying their creamy texture.

Carrots improve your eyesight — but not as much as you think.

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, important for vision. But eating carrots won’t give you superhuman sight or fix poor eyesight—sorry! They do support eye health, though.

Tomatoes Are Vegetables — Not in the lab.

Botanically speaking, tomatoes are fruits. Yes, fruits. Same goes for cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants. But before you start tossing them into fruit salad, remember: in the culinary world, it’s more about taste than science. So, tomato? Fruit in theory, veggie on your plate.

Frozen Veggies Are Less Nutritious — Actually… they might be better.

Frozen vegetables are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, locking in nutrients that can start to fade in “fresh” produce during shipping and shelf time. That $6 bundle of kale from the fridge? Not always the health champ you think it is.

All Potatoes Are “Bad Carbs” — Let’s not vilify the spud.

White potatoes are full of potassium, fiber (especially with the skin), and can be part of a balanced meal. The key? Prep them without drowning them in oil or cheese (unless it’s Friday, then go off).

Raw Veggies Are Always Healthier — Not always true.

Some nutrients (like lycopene in tomatoes or beta-carotene in carrots) are actually better absorbed after cooking. So yes, your roasted veggie obsession is doing something right.

Bottom line: Vegetables are way more complex—and cool—than they’re given credit for. So next time someone tries to veggie-splain you, you’ll be armed with the facts (and maybe a smug little grin).