Is Watermelon a Fruit or Vegetable?

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When asked, is watermelon a fruit or vegetable, what would your answer be? A lot of people automatically answer that it is a fruit because it is often served with other fruits during desert and rarely answer that it is a vegetable. Which is which? This long time topic for debate has now been disclosed and answered.

Watermelon is loosely considered a melon which has a smooth exterior rind and a juicy and sweet interior flesh. It is actually both a fruit and a vegetable. It is a fruit because it is a product of a fruit forming plant and a vegetable because it came from the cucurbitaceae family. In April 17, 2007, the Oklahoma State Senate has passed a bill declaring watermelon as their official state vegetable. As a vegetable, it is closely related to squash, cucumber and pumpkin.

It does not matter whether watermelon is a fruit or vegetable. What matters most are the benefits that can be taken from consuming watermelon. Watermelon contains 92% water and 6% sugar by weight. Its high water content makes it the most favorite fruit during summer time where water is highly consumed. The red flesh of watermelon makes it a good source of Lycopene. Lycopene is good for the heart and helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer for men. Watermelon is also rich in vitamin C which helps boost the immune system and fights off free radicals in the body.

Watermelon rinds, which are usually light green in color, are edible but are not frequently consumed because of it unappealing flavor. This part of the watermelon is frequently used as vegetable. In china, this is usually stir-fried, pickled or stewed. When stir-fried, the rind is cooked in olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, sugar, scallions and rum. Pickled watermelon is popularly consumed in the southern United States. Aside from fruits or vegetables, watermelon can also used and made into wine.

Watermelon can be added as a main ingredient on any vegetable salad. This is great for those who want to lose some weight. A full cup of watermelon only contains 40 calories. In addition, the vitamin B6 component of watermelon helps reduce anxiety level. Vitamin B6 produces serotonin which has a calming effect on the body.

When choosing watermelon, it is best to have the organic ones. Organic watermelons are grown up in a field where chemical fertilizers are not used. Chemical fertilizers have the capability to get into the watermelon and be taken in by those who consume it.

Adding watermelon to your diet could make a big difference to your health. Whether it is served as a fruit or vegetable, the nutrients that can be retrieved form it is still the same.