noun
General term for seeds or grains used for planting or as produce.
来年のために種物を保存しておく。
I save seeds for next year.
noun
noodle dish with various toppings
In food contexts, refers to a noodle dish (often soba or udon) served with a variety of ingredients such as tempura, vegetables, or meat.
今日の昼は種物そばを食べた。
I had soba with various toppings for lunch today.
noun
shaved ice with fruit syrup
In food contexts, can also refer to a dessert of shaved ice topped with fruit syrup and sometimes other ingredients.
夏祭りで種物のかき氷を買った。
I bought shaved ice with fruit syrup at the summer festival.
Compound of 種 (tane, 'seed') and 物 (mono, 'thing'). The food-related senses likely developed from the idea of 'things with various ingredients added', similar to how seeds are mixed or scattered.