Is Watermelon a Vegetable or a Fruit? Settle this debate by reading this comprehensive guide and get answers to your queries.
Watermelon, a beloved summertime treat, often sparks a debate: Is it a vegetable or a fruit? Let’s explore the juicy world of watermelons to uncover the truth behind their classification.
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Is Watermelon a Vegetable?
Watermelons have different uses in cuisine, including in salads and salsas, which might make some people think of them as vegetables. In 2006, the Oklahoma Legislature declared watermelon as the state vegetable.
It’s worth mentioning that even though there was a legal ruling, experts in plants and gardening still classify watermelon as a fruit based on scientific reasons. This means that while watermelon can be used in savory dishes, it is still considered a fruit from a scientific point of view.
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Is Watermelon a Fruit?
The answer to this question- Is Watermelon a Vegetable or a Fruit? Yes, it is a fruit.
In simple terms, scientifically, a fruit is the mature ovary of a flowering plant that usually has seeds inside. According to this definition, scientists consider a watermelon fruit as it grows from the ovary of a flowering plant and contains seeds.
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Is Watermelon a Berry?
Watermelon is classified as a type of fruit known as a pepo, which falls under the category of berries with a tough outer layer and juicy inside. However, when people discuss fruits based on their culinary usage and taste, they commonly consider watermelon a fruit because it is sweet, and people enjoy it as a dessert or snack.
Is Watermelon a Fruit or a Vegetable: From Botanical Terms
In the field of botany, the distinction between fruits and vegetables is based on the origin of plants. Watermelon, for instance, grows in a similar manner to other vegetables. It is classified as a vegetable due to its affiliation with the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes cucumber, melon, calabash, squash, and pumpkin. Watermelon belongs to the Citrullus lanatus species, making it a vegetable based on its classification.
Fact: The watermelon plant originated as a vine in Southern Africa, which contributes to its classification as a fruit.
- Considering this long-standing debate about whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable. It may not surprise you to learn that the state of Oklahoma has designated watermelon as its state vegetable.
- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) aligns with the Oklahoma Legislature’s view and considers watermelon as a vegetable.
- The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) includes watermelons in the count of vegetables during the national agricultural census.
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Conclusion
Watermelon is considered a fruit based on its botanical characteristics, as it grows from the ovary of a flower and contains seeds. However, its classification as a fruit or vegetable in cooking can vary depending on its usage, and people consume it.
Regardless of its classification, one thing is for sure: watermelon is undeniably delicious and refreshing, especially during the summertime.
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