Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable? Do you have confusion? If you are not sure about it, then keep on reading!
Confused about the debate over “Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable”? Well, fret not; we are here to help you out!
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Is Watermelon a Fruit?![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20500%20333'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The scientific definition of a fruit is any mature ovary of a flowering plant, usually containing seeds. By this definition, a watermelon is a fruit because it develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds.
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Is Watermelon a Berry?
Specifically, watermelon is a pepo, which is a type of berry with a hard rind and fleshy interior. However, the culinary definition of a fruit is often based on taste and usage rather than botanical classification.
By this definition, watermelon is often considered a fruit because it is sweet and eaten as a dessert or snack.
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Is Watermelon a Vegetable?
Watermelons are versatile, as they can also be used in savory dishes such as salads and salsas, which may lead some people to consider them a vegetable.
In 2006, the Oklahoma Legislature declared watermelon as the state vegetable
Despite this legal ruling, the scientific classification of watermelon as a fruit has not changed. Watermelon is still considered a fruit by botanists and horticulturists.
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Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable: From a Botanical Perspective ![](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20500%20750'%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In botany, any fruits or vegetables are set apart depending on their botanical origin. For instance, watermelon is propagated in the same manner like other vegetables are grown. Also, watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a flowering plant, belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The Cucurbitaceae family also includes cucumber, melon, calabash, squash, and pumpkin. Thus, it is classified as a vegetable.
In contrast to this, the watermelon plant evolved from a vine native to Southern Africa, due to which it is also considered a fruit.
After having insight into this years-old debate on “Is Watermelon a fruit or a Vegetable” – you won’t be shocked much that the Watermelon is a state vegetable of Oklahoma!
For purposes of counting, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) agrees with the Oklahoma Legislature in calling the watermelon a vegetable. In the national agricultural census conducted by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), watermelons are counted as vegetables.
Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable: Conclusion
Watermelon is a fruit from a botanical standpoint because it develops from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds. However, its culinary classification may vary depending on how it is used and consumed.
Whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable, there is no denying the delicious and refreshing taste of this summertime favorite.