Watermelon - Fruit or Veg?

 

Like the pepper, tomato, and pumpkin, watermelon is botanically and scientifically a fruit.

According to the USDA since Watermelon is planted from seeds or seedlings, harvested, and then cleared from the field like other vegetables. AND, since watermelon is grown as a vegetable crop using vegetable production systems, watermelon is considered a vegetable (Wolford, 2004). According to the USDA, watermelon is a vegetable just like cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

The following is courtesy of Wikipedia about watermelons-

Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight. As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamin C.

Watermelon rinds are also edible, and sometimes used as a vegetable. In China, they are stir-fried, stewed, or more often pickled. When stir-fried, the de-skinned and de-fruited rind is cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Pickled watermelon rind is also commonly consumed in the Southern US, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.[citation needed] In the Balkans, especially Serbia, watermelon slatko is also popular. Watermelon juice can also be made into wine.
Watermelon is also mildly diuretic.
Watermelons contain large amounts of beta carotene.
Watermelon with red flesh is a significant source of lycopene.

A traditional food plant in Africa, this fruit has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.