Is watermelon a berry or a fruit - that is the question?

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

Summer treat

Probably there is no such person who does not like watermelon. Every year we wait for the end of summer to enjoy the tender and sweet red pulp of this gourd. Back in school, we were taught that watermelon is a berry. But is it? Let's see, is a watermelon a berry or a fruit? In nature, there are three types of this plant:

- Wild watermelons (Citrullus colocynthis). This melon variety is naturally found in the deserts of Afghanistan, Iran, Central Asia, Australia and Africa.

- Forage watermelon (Citrullus colocynthoides).

- Table (Citrullus vulgaris).

A bit of history

According to scientists, watermelon came to us from Africa, namely from Egypt. This has been proven by the findings of archaeologists. In many tombs, the seeds of this plant were found, even on the inscribed walls, drawings of melons, which are so familiar to us, were found. But then, probably, no one cared whether a watermelon is a berry or not. Already from Egypt, this plant came to Asia and,Thanks to the Crusades, to Europe. Well, watermelons arrived on the territory of Russia with the troops of the Tatar-Mongolian horde. And then they didn’t take root everywhere, but the whole point is that this plant is very thermophilic, and high air temperature is needed for its ovary and further growth.

Watermelon - berry or fruit?

Still, an interesting question arose about watermelon: is it a berry or a fruit? So let's figure it out. This plant belongs to the gourd family, and the fruit has a slight resemblance to pumpkin fruits. Based on this, it can be argued that watermelon is a berry. The modern name of this fruit comes from the Iranian word "harbyuz", which is translated in different ways - a large cucumber or melon. And as a result, we can draw a conclusion and answer the question “Is watermelon a berry or a fruit?” such an answer: “The fruit of the watermelon is considered a false berry or gourd, which has soft and juicy flesh with many small seeds and a hard peel.”

Choose watermelon

When choosing, you need to know some tricks. Let's study them. When you start choosing your watermelon, give preference to the fruit that will have the most intense striped color. This is the very first indicator that the fruit has fully ripened. Also, maturity can be judged by the yellowish spot at the bottom of the watermelon, that is, the part that was in contact with the ground. Another option: when you press your hands on a watermelon on both sides, when the fruit is fully ripe, a crack should be heard. This means that the watermelon will be one hundred percent ripe.

Invisible danger

Not worth itgive in to the temptation to buy the first watermelons that hit the markets in early July. They can be dangerous for your he alth, because for quick ripening melons are treated with all sorts of chemicals, and they are then concentrated in the pulp of watermelon. You also need to be extremely careful when choosing and carefully examine the surface of the fetus so that there are no scratches or dents on it. And if possible, do not cut a triangle for testing. The thing is that watermelon is a product that quickly deteriorates. And with the slightest damage, bacteria can enter. And that can end badly for you too.

Perhaps now readers will not have the question: "Watermelon - is it a berry or a fruit?". The most important thing is that you enjoy the juicy pulp. Bon appetit.