is watermelon a fruit or vegetable

A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it was originally . Watermelon is a fruit from a botanical point of view. Its no wonder gardeners may view watermelons as vegetables. Watermelon is related to cucumbers. Many of the foods that we casually call vegetables, like tomatoes, are technically . So, what is a vegetable then? They are cucumbers, watermelon, squash, tomatoes, and peppers. The state of Oklahoma in the USA has named watermelons as the official state vegetable! The powerful health benefits of dates include providing an energy boost, increasing iron in the body, and aiding digestion.. By its culinary definition and by Oklahoma, watermelon is a vegetable. Fruit. The plant produces flowers, and then its ovary creates the green-and-pink melon, which contains the seeds. It's considered a fruit because it grows from a seed and contains seeds. A vegetable is anything eaten from other parts of a plant, like spinach leaves or carrots (which are roots). Since the watermelon grows from the plant's ovary after flowering and contains the seeds, it classifies as a fruit. For the 5-a-day recommendations, tomatoes are classified as a vegetable, which is the culinary definition, because that is how most people learn about fruit and vegetables. Coupled with its low-calorie nature, the fruit is also rich in Vitamin C and lycopene. A vegetable is any part of the plant that is consumed as food by humans and animals. A watermelon is both a fruit (the seed bearing ovary of a plant) and a vegetable (an edible plant). Jul 30, 2022 -- Watermelon is a fruit apart of the gourd family and native to tropical Africa. Watermelons fit the bill perfectly, as each one contains around 200 seeds inside its fleshy pink (or yellow) body. In conclusion, watermelons are technically fruits, but they are commonly treated as vegetables in the culinary world. fruit. fish. The watermelon plant is grown as a vegetable crop. Theyre a good source of protein, fiber, magnesium, and zinc. It depends on how we consume it. This is true of watermelons, but by that definition, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and pumpkins are fruits as well. The seeds of cucumbers, melons, squashes, and pumpkin are also part of the same family. Should you settle for eating the fruit raw, ensure it is cleaned adequately, and dont shy away from crushing those brown seeds in your mouth-they are full of zinc and arent poisonous in any manner. The plants vines are hairy, angular, and have tendrils that help the plant climb up supports or other plants. Today, watermelons are grown throughout the world in warm climates. The oblong fruits grow to a length of about 0.52 meters (1.66.6 feet) and have a hard, green rind with conspicuous white spots or stripes. There are also lots of people who believe watermelons are the best fruits out there. This is a fruit composed of two or more united carpels that occur in one single flower. You might be surprised with the answer!CLICK FOR WATERMELON RECIPES Subscribe to my channel: https://www.youtube.co. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar include its ability toregulate blood sugar levels, boost weight loss,improve skin & gut health, & lower cholesterol levels.Read more! [Definitive Guide]. In fact, theyre about 92% water. These watermelon types are sometimes called cotton candy or peach melon because of their light color and sweet flavor when ripe. Watermelons also contain sugars which take up around 6%. Theyre sometimes, Sometimes, watermelon is yellow, not pink. So, is watermelon a fruit in one culture and a vegetable in another? Then with vegetables you have the leafy part of veggies, like broccoli, beet greens, spinach, etc. For instance, vegetables like spinach, kales, carrots, and beets are all vegetables that do not result from reproduction. Cut the onion, dice the feta or crumble it coarsely, and add them . An example of an aggregate fruit is strawberry. Some of the other plant species related to watermelons include pumpkins and gourds. So, whos right? Watermelons are giant herbaceous plants with coarse, hairy stems and large leaves. While thinking about a watermelon, the vast majority of people would immediately classify it as a fruit, likely because of the sweet flavor, juicy interior, and its inclusion in every summer fruit salad in history. These seeds are edible and have been used in recreational activities in seed spitting contests. A fruit is described as a matured ovary that contains seeds that develop from the ovule after fertilization. Botanically, watermelon is a fruit like pepper, tomato, and pumpkin. The website argues that . Therefore, a cantaloupe is a vegetable. Under that strict definition, even beans and cucumbers are fruit! Some of the potential health benefits of watermelon include improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and increased hydration. Whether watermelon is a fruit or vegetable is a much debated topic. This fruit is sweet due to high levels of sugar content, making it appealing for desserts such as ice cream or use as juice/smoothies. As my grandmother used to say though, intelligence is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Its also important to remove any wax that may be on the surface, as this can make the rind difficult to digest. Exocarpus (fleshy) fruits with both the ovary and the receptacle are like peach, orange, or tomato. The watermelon is a member of the cucumber family known as the Cucurbitaceae, which includes gourds as well. Centers and day care homes cannot serve two fruits at lunch or supper meals under the updated meal patterns. Helps You Hydrate Interestingly, watermelon is 92% water ( 1 ). Watermelon is a fruit apart of the gourd family and native to tropical Africa. Although this giant cabbage cited in the Guinness Book seems unbeatable for the title of "World's Largest Vegetable," there are tropical yams belonging to the genus Dioscorea that may be 6 to 9 feet long (2-3 m) and weigh 150 pounds (68 kg) or more, although they are usually harvested at about 2-6 pounds. Botanically speaking, a watermelon does adhere to the definition of a fruit - after flowering, the ovary turns into the fruiting body, which contains the seeds. The vegetable category includes a wide variety of plant foods, such as beans, peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and potatoes. The other part that makes up a watermelon is the seeds. This is a fruit that results from several pistils in a single flower. Cooking watermelon brings out some hidden flavors and enhances other dishes served alongside the fruit. A pumpkin is, in fact, a fruit. Cucumber etc, Your email address will not be published. A watermelon is planted from its seeds and harvested just like other vegetables. The term vegetable is much broaderit refers to any part of a plant that's used for food, including the roots, tubers, stems, and leaves. One adult portion of a tomato is a medium sized tomato or 7 cherry tomatoes, remember to eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables so you can reach your daily 5-a-day. (Shocking Answer! One cup of watermelon contains: 46 calories. (2 - 3 servings) Ingredients: 800g watermelon, 1/2 cucumber, 1 red onion, 200g feta, 50g pine nuts, thyme, 1 lime, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp honey, salt, pepper. Whats the Difference Between Braunschweigers and Liverwurst? The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article. 3. Also, no other fruit, or instead berry, contains as much water by mass as a watermelon. You can also try soaking it in a vinegar solution for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with water. I cannot even use time and ignorance as an excuse for this. There have been rare instances when certain rice noodle brands may contain gluten. Watermelon is not a vegetable and is indeed a fruit. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Moreover, watermelons are packed with nutrients and offer plenty of health benefits, so they are a great addition to any diet. This is a question that has puzzled people for years. A watermelon is a common summertime fruit, but it is also a vegetable. The line between the two has always been flexible, influenced by botanical data, cultural tradition, and even personal choice. How to classify a fruit as a fruit, or a vegetable as a vegetable? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Wiki . The fruit is also a common and perfect accompaniment to our dishes. Wikipedia. Theyre both members of the gourd family, which also includes squash and pumpkins. From this argument, it is clearer that watermelons are more fruits than vegetables. Potassium: This mineral is essential for regulating blood pressure and heart function. So even if the watermelon is mostly eaten as a fruit, it got lumped in with vegetables in some . It's a kind of berry. Any edible plant matter, whether seeds, leaves, roots, or flowers, qualifies to be referred to as a vegetable. Watermelon is a Vegetable. Examples of such fruits are cherries, citrus fruits, pomes, and plums. Everywhere else it is considered a fruit, but in Oklahoma the watermelon has been officially declared a vegetable.He told Oklahoma's Lawton constitution before the vote that the watermelon was a fruit, "but it's also a vegetable because it's a member of the cucumber family" . But if you ask anyone in Oklahoma, they'll tell you it's a vegetable. pretty much all I can think about is how oklahoma's state vegetable is the watermelon. A reason it is among the healthiest fruits. Because its made up of over 90 percent water, its guaranteed to refresh on the hottest of days. Beef Bacon or Pork Bacon : Which Is Healthier ? The official state fruit is the strawberry. Yellow watermelon is a summer fruit . The word "berry" is define as "simple, fleshy fruit that usually has many seeds" and actually encompasses a whole lot more than you may have previously thought. Bulb vegetables are vegetables not born from flowers. It also contains seeds that are also very nutritious. If you talk to a botanist, theyll maintain that watermelon is a fruit because it develops from the plants ovary after flowering and holds the seeds. Its all dingy gray, she told The Wall Street Journal. (Key Similarities & Differences), Is Pineapple A Citrus Fruit? The botanical classification of fruits are the part of a plant that houses the seeds, and can be surrounded by edible and delicious flesh. Watermelons are called watermelons because theyre mostly water. Required fields are marked *. So, while watermelons may be botanically classified as fruit, they are typically considered to be vegetables in the kitchen. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These fruits are usually considered vegetables due to their use. But this beloved sweet, pink fruit has some identity confusion. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Laura McKenzie) According to expert Joe Masabni, Ph.D., Texas A&M Agri Life Extension Service vegetable specialist in Dallas, scientifically speaking, a pumpkin is a fruit simply because anything that starts from . Tomatoes, bananas and papaya are also technically berries. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Some people say it is a fruit while others believe it is a vegetable. So since this plant is grown in the same manner as vegetables, it is considered a vegetable. It is the part that grows on the tree/vine (and sometimes other plants like cactus). However, from a culinary standpoint, watermelons are generally considered vegetables. According to Webster dictionary, a vegetable is anything made from, obtained from, or containing plants or plant products. Watermelon is a healthy food that can help you stay hydrated and provide your body with important vitamins and minerals. Watermelon. While fruits are often associated with plants such as apples, bananas, and oranges, they can also come from trees (such as figs), vines (such as grapes), and cacti (such as prickly pear). 1.5 oz chicken. In a large bowl, combine cubed watermelon, feta cheese, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and chopped mint. How long does ground beef last in the fridge? An example is cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and artichoke. The rinds are usually pickled with spices, and you can use the watermelon flesh in stir-fries like a vegetable. Its up to you to decide how you want to have your melon. This is the ideal nutritional combo in a world dominated by junk food, plus people are often unwilling to drink enough water daily. This article will also cover the hype on the relationship between cucumbers and watermelons. Gardeners typically grow watermelon in the vegetable garden along with the beans, peas and corn. A berry is any simple fleshy fruit with one flower. What country is watermelon a vegetable? 865 international units (IU) of vitamin A (equates to .26 milligrams) 12 milligrams of vitamin C. 170 milligrams of potassium. An example is an asparagus and kohlrabi. So, is watermelon a vegetable or a fruit? Theyre grown like vegetable crop using vegetable production systems. But, for many people, a watermelon is also considered a vegetable. This is because it develops from the ovary of the watermelon plant after it flowers. Usually, fruits develop from aa single ovary, thats the pistil. This spicy root is also good for mitigating obesity and relief from menstrual pain. While most people think of tomatoes and cucumbers as vegetables, they are actually fruits. The part can either be the fruit, stem, leaves, root, or bulb. A vegetable is anything that is obtained from plants. In the U.S., watermelons are generally eaten fresh in cubes or slices, or made into sweet desserts, such as sorbets, reinforcing the notion that they are a fruit. Yes, berries! Most people have an immediate answer, but its a bit more complicated than some people understand. Agriculturally speaking, watermelons are far more similar to vegetables. Yes, you can eat watermelon skin. Watermelon is largely considered a popular summer fruit but some regions call it a vegetable. BOTANICALLY SPEAKING: Any botanist worth his salt will tell you that watermelons are fruit, and believe it or not, they actually are placed in the "berry" subset of fruit. And they are generally treated as a vegetable for culinary uses. But the question at hand should be, what fruit and vegetable are, then dig deeper into categorizing a watermelon. . Is watermelon a fruit or a vegetable? There are fruits that aren't vegetables because they are inedible, like Mistletoe or Holly (popular poisonous Christmas decorations). Citrulline: This amino acid is converted into arginine in the body, which has been shown to improve blood flow and cardiovascular health. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. That makes all of these fruits. Bite into a slice of ripe, juicy watermelon and youll most likely think fruit. Watermelons are 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar, so its no wonder they taste like fruit. Its safe to consume and provides your body with important nutrients, such as fiber. But, whether you classify watermelon as a vegetable or a fruit, theres no denying its appeal. Botanists call watermelon a fruit and most people happily agree. Water makes up 92% of a watermelon by mass, while carbs make up 6.5%. If directing the question to a botanist, they will maintain that watermelon is a fruit, just like many people know it. How Long Does Chicken Last In The Fridge? Botanicallyspeaking, a watermelon does adhere to the definition of a fruit after flowering, the ovary turns into the fruiting body, which contains the seeds. Watermelon is about 92% water, so its no surprise that eating it can help you stay hydrated. Fruit is a sweet, edible part of a plant that contains seeds. Yes, cucumbers and watermelons are related. Its also a good source of citrulline and contains some vitamins A and C. However, its lower in lycopene than the flesh. The flesh is usually deep red or pink but may be orange, yellow, or white. If you talk to a botanist, they'll maintain that watermelon is a fruit because it develops from the plant's ovary after flowering and holds the seeds. They are also fiber-rich and full of antioxidants. Dates are sweet fruitsof the date palm tree. Lets take a closer look at this fruit to see if we can determine whether or not it is a vegetable. And not just any vegetable, Oklahoma's house of representatives yesterday voted to award the watermelon the honour of official state vegetable. Unofficially speaking, the watermelon is everyone's favorite summer fruit. Fruit is any plant part produced as a result of fertilization. And they are generally treated as a vegetable for culinary uses. A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide, with more than 1,000 varieties. Jalapeos are by definition of a fruit, just like watermelon are, but in the real world people label things that aren't sweet or high in sugar as vegetables. http://www.schweizerbart.de/publications/detail/isbn/9783443140106/Fruits-of-Angiosperms, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0304423886900075, https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4615-2039-9_4, 12 Proven Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Calamansi Juice: Benefits, Recipe, and Side Effects, Hibiscus Tea: Benefits, How to Make & Side Effects, Pomelos: Benefits & How To Eat Them (Pummelo). Why is melon a vegetable? It is the fruit of a plant originally from a vine of southern Africa. It has a fleshy pulp with seeds in it, and it also grows in a vine. Gardeners plant them in the spring season and harvest them in the late summer season. Vitamin A is important for skin and eye health. Thats because Berries are any fruit that has one or more seeds and entirely edible flesh, with no core. No, watermelon belongs to the family of cucurbits and share common characteristics. A watermelon gives you a dose of water, a few carbs, and a full stomach to prevent you from craving junk food. Watermelon is a member of the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds (classified as Citrullus lantus), related to the cucumber, squash and pumpkin. Still, squashes have flat and broad leaves, while watermelon leaves are deeply lobbed. They're grown like vegetable crop using vegetable production systems. Bananas are classified in the fig family The common definition of "vegetable" is "an edible plant or part thereof". Examples are lettuce, parsley, and coriander. Upon fertilization, the ovary grows bigger while the ovules turn to seeds. An example is garlic, onion, and leeks. watermelons probably originated in tropical Africa, where the evidence indicates that they have been cultivated for almost 4,000 years. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He co-founded the literary journal, Sheriff Nottingham, and now serves as the Content Director for Staind Arts, a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado. Botanically, a watermelon adheres to the definition of a fruit, after flowering, it turns into fruit stem containing ovarian seeds. Enjoy! Just, Watermelons arent always round or oval in shape. However, some people may find the texture of the skin to be unpleasant. Photo Credit: Shutterstock, There will always be a significant amount of debate over which fruits should be vegetables and which vegetables are technically fruits. There is no black and white in biology. It contains the seed of the plant, making the means for a plant to get its seed out into the world. Watermelon/Fruit or Vegetable. Everywhere else it is considered a fruit, but in Oklahoma the watermelon has been officially declared a vegetable.

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