Is watermelon a fruit?
Watermelon is a familiar summer delicacy to many, but the question of whether watermelon is a fruit may cause confusion. The answer to this question is yes, watermelon is a fruit. Let’s take a closer look.
What is a fruit?
Botanically, a fruit is the part of a plant that develops from a flower and contains seeds. Fruits are a plant’s way of spreading its seeds and ensuring the continuity of its species. Fruits can be divided into several subcategories such as berries, drupes and nuts.
Botanical classification of watermelon
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins and melons. Watermelon is botanically a berry, more specifically a “pepo”, which is a type of berry with a thick skin and juicy inside.
Properties of watermelon
- Skin: Watermelon has a thick, green skin that protects its juicy interior.
- Flesh: The inside of a watermelon is usually red or pink, but there are also yellow and orange varieties.
- Seeds: Watermelon has black or white seeds inside, although there are also seedless varieties.
Nutritional benefits
Watermelon is not only delicious, but also nutritionally beneficial. It contains a lot of water, which makes it an excellent rehydrator on hot summer days. In addition, watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C and contains antioxidants such as lycopene.
Summary
Watermelon is botanically a fruit, more precisely a berry. It belongs to the cucumber family and has several nutritional benefits. Watermelon is an excellent choice for a healthy and refreshing snack.
Sources:
Britannica: Watermelon
Healthline: 9 Health Benefits of Watermelon
