Legumes

[Mit]

What's the definition of a legume? If peas are legumes, are chillis legumes too (sort of a pod, edible seeds inside) and if not why not?

[acw]

According to www.dictionary.com a legume is:

• A pod, such as that of a pea or bean, that splits into two valves with the seeds attached to one edge of the valves.
• Such a pod or seed used as food.
• A plant of the pea family.

So I suppose a pepper (red, yellow, green or orange I mean) is a legume too - perhaps.  By the definition, I'd have thought a chilli would be. 

[redmug100]

Legumes contain complex carbohydrates and proteen. chilli is a type of berry containg suger and something hot. I suppose you could argue that chilli seeds were legumes. Peas, beans (not runner), lentils and peanuts are all example of legumes.

[Gef]

Legumes or leguminous plants have nodules on their roots. These nodules contain bacteria which can fix atmospheric nitrogen and so these plants don't need fertilisers.