I don't think it's about the vegetables to him. He is uncomfortable about being the subject of conversations between you and smokey, apparently regardless of the context, and feels like you did not respect this after he tried to politely request you not do so. I realize it was likely not your intention to disrespect his wishes, and probably didn't understand that even talking about him in terms of vegetables would qualify as this and upset him. I think he probably finds it hurtful that you dont understand why this hurts his feelings

Again, Musky is my friend, and I didn't want to make it appear I was invalidating his feelings, while encouraging him to resolve conflicts with less nastiness. I don't think what he said was called for, and more importantly isn't constructive for him, or going to help him be happy in relationships. I also don't think coming at him from a purely critical perspective or making it appear I've chosen sides against him is likely to get through to him when he has hurt feelings.