Watermelon Facts
Watermelon - Fruit or Vegetable?
For years people have debated whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable – we consider it both –
here’s why . . .
Watermelon is a Fruit
Watermelon is the fruit of a plant originally from a vine of southern Africa. The watermelon fruit, loosely considered a
type of melon (although not in the genus Cucumis), has a smooth exterior rind and a juicy, sweet, usually red interior
flesh. The species descriptor Citrullus vulgaris is sometimes, synonymously, used to refer to this plant (vulgaris
meaning "common" — Shosteck, 1974).
Like the pepper, tomato, and pumpkin, watermelon is botanically a fruit. According to Webster’s dictionary and
Wikipedia, a fruit is the ripened ovary of a seed plant and its contents, and a watermelon is a large oblong roundish
fruit (2004, 2006). Consumers use watermelon primarily as a fruit because of its sweet flavor and refreshing qualities.
Watermelon is Also a Vegetable
According to Webster’s dictionary a vegetable is anything made or obtained from plants (2004). Watermelon is a
member of the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds (classified as Citrullus Lantus), related to the cucumber, squash,
and pumpkin (Maynard, 2001). It is planted from seeds or seedlings, harvested, and then cleared from the field like
other vegetables. Since watermelon is grown as a vegetable crop using vegetable production systems, watermelon is
considered a vegetable (Wolford, 2004).
How Watermelon is used as a Fruit or a Vegetable
Watermelon is popularly used as a fruit, to be a sweet enhancer or fun accompaniment to References
our everyday meals. The watermelon is often cut into bite-sized squares or balled, or very Maynard, D.N., Watermelons
often simply sliced and enjoyed. It’s also used in the types of recipes that are created Characteristics, Production, and
using fruit.
Marketing. ASHS Press.
The whole watermelon is edible, even the rind. In places like China, the watermelon
Alexandria, VA. 2001
is stir-fried, stewed and often pickled. In this case, the watermelon is being used
Merriam-Webster’s English
as a vegetable. Pickled watermelon rind is also widespread in Russia. (Wikipedia 2006)
Dictionary Online
Scientifically Speaking http://www.m-w.com/ 2004
The scientific name of watermelon is Citrullus lanatus. It is a member of the
cucurbitaceae family. Life; Embryophyta (plants); Angiospermae (flowering plants); Shosteck, Robert (1974).
Order: Cucurbitales (pumpkin and melon family); Family: Cucurbitaceae
Flowers and Plants: An
International Lexicon with
There are about 120 genera and 735 species of Cucurbitaceae worldwide, with 18
Biographical Notes.
genera and 76 species native to southern Africa. Some well known vegetables fall in
this family such as watermelon, hubbard squash, butternut, pumpkin, sweet melons and
cucumber. Quadrangle/The New York
Times Book Co.: New York.
All a Matter of Perspective Wikipedia Online Encyclopedia
Depending on how you want to classify it, a watermelon can be considered a fruit or
http:///www.wikipedia.com
a vegetable. No matter which way you slice it, watermelon is fun to eat and very good
/2006
for you!
watermelon.org
watermelon.org
Watermelon Facts
Watermelon Care & Handling
How Do I Pick A Good Watermelon?
Some people like to tap a watermelon and listen for a “thump.” Although folks rely
on that method, we’ve found following these tips will help pick the best watermelon available.
1. Look it over, choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents.
2. Lift it up – the watermelon should feel heavy for its size – it is 92% water.
3. Turn it over – on the underside of the watermelon there should be a creamy, yellow spot
(called the ground spot) from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
What’s the Proper Temperature for Storing Watermelon?
Store whole watermelon on the warm side
Compared to most fruits, watermelons need a more "tropical" climate - a thermometer
reading of 55° F is ideal. However, whole melons will keep for 7 to 10 days at room
temperature. Store them too long, and they'll lose flavor and texture.
Lower temperatures cause chill injury
After two days at 32° F, watermelons develop an off-flavor, become pitted and lose color. Freezing causes rind to
break down and produces a mealy, mushy texture. Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored at 37° - 39° F.
Should I Wash a Watermelon before I Use It?
Yes. According to the FDA, you should wash all fruits and vegetables,
including watermelons, in clean, running water before eating them.
This is true of all fruits and vegetables, whether they have rinds or not.
You should also use clean knives and cutting surfaces, taking care to
never cut fruit or vegetables with a knife just used to cut raw meat,
chicken or seafood. Additionally, persons preparing melons, fruits,
vegetables or other foodstuffs should thoroughly wash their hands with
soap and water prior to preparing the food for eating.
watermelon.org
watermelon.org
