Is Watermelon A Vegetable Or Fruit? Top Facts To Know

Watermelon is popularly considered one of the most favorite summer fruits across the globe. It is made up of 90% water and is guaranteed to refresh on hot summer days. We are likely to infuse watermelons in our salads, and cocktails or eat them by the pound. The fruit is pink in color and looks pretty tempting. But as we call it a fruit some may differ from the opinion and call it a vegetable. We will have a look at this article to find out who is right.

Is watermelon a vegetable? Why so?

It is basically all up to the questions that you ask. If you consult with a botanist they’ll call it to fruit with utmost scientific proof and reasons. The primary reason behind calling watermelon fruit is because it grows out of the ovary of a flower and carries the seeds. This part of the plant is considered to be the fruit of the plant as per science whereas any part of a plant can be considered to be a vegetable. It could be the stem, the root, the fruit, the leaves, or anything. But people in Oklahoma will differ from all the opinions and call it a vegetable. This is not just a thought but they have made a declaration about watermelon being the official vegetable in 2007.

Is watermelon a vegetable? Why do people in Oklahoma think that?

The species of watermelon belongs to the cucumber family and is called Cucurbitaceae. All kinds of gourds also fall under this category. In Oklahoma, watermelons are grown using a vegetable production system and as a vegetable crop. They also include watermelon in their culinary world. So it is only a vegetable in some circles of thoughts and imagination and apart from that, it is considered to be a fruit all over the world.

The horticulturist of Oklahoma state university says that there must be crossover when talking about classifications of vegetables and fruits because it’s quite wiggly as a concept. According to her, biology is all about non-binaries.

What are a few facts about watermelon?

You can eat the whole thing including the rind. You can pickle the rind and get the magical taste.
You can grow it into any shape and not necessarily oval and round. You can grow it in a box and give it a cube shape or a heart shape.
Yellow crimson watermelon is there apart from the regular pink one. The pink one is just one of the 1200 varieties of watermelons across the globe.
It is very much rich in nutrients like Vitamin A, B6, and potassium. It also has powerful antioxidant benefits.
It boosts anti-inflammatory properties.

Some easy watermelon recipes. Is watermelon a vegetable?

Tomato and watermelon salad
Layered watermelon coconut shake with salty lime sugar
Grilled watermelon and smoked jalapeno rings and salt.
Watermelon popsicles with ginger, hibiscus, and a hint of mint.
Watermelon Shandy
Watermelon salad accompanied by Yogurt dressing and burrata.

Is watermelon a vegetable? Why do we care?

Watermelon is largely considered a popular summer fruit but some regions call it a vegetable. According to science anything that grows from the ovary of a flower and carries seeds is called the fruit of the plant. Whereas, any part of a plant can be called a vegetable. It depends on how we consume it. Vegetables are consumed as a part of our savory meals and cooked but fruits are eaten raw. But in Oklahoma people call it a vegetable and it’s their official vegetable as per the declaration in 2007. They have their thoughts and reasons behind it. But all these theories and debates have nothing much to do with watermelons and their use itself. It won’t make a difference in the consumption of watermelon across the world.

Summary

If you consult with a botanist they’ll call it to fruit with utmost scientific proof and reasons. The primary reason behind calling watermelon fruit is because it grows out of the ovary of a flower and carries the seeds. This part of the plant is considered to be the fruit of the plant as per science whereas any part of a plant can be considered to be a vegetable. It could be the stem, the root, the fruit, the leaves, or anything. But people in Oklahoma will differ from all three opinions and call it a vegetable. In Oklahoma, watermelons are grown using a vegetable production system and as a vegetable crop. They also include watermelon in their culinary world. So it is only a vegetable in some circles of thoughts and imagination and apart from that, it is considered to be a fruit all over the world.