Watermelon is a large, sweet, and nutritious often classified as fruit that people typically enjoy during the summer months. Did you know that watermelon is one of the only foods that can be called a fruit or a vegetable? It’s true! Find out more with these amazing watermelon facts for kids.
Fact # 1 Watermelon is a fruit and a vegetable.
Watermelons are both a fruit and a vegetable. It is a flowering plant in the Cucurbitaceae plant family. Cucurbitaceae are vine-growing vegetable crops that include watermelon, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, and gourds.
These plants are actually classified as berries. Watermelons are not melons but berries.
Botanists, who are super smart plant scientists, consider watermelon to be a fruit because it develops from the flower of the watermelon plant, just like other fruits.
We often think of fruits as being sweet and vegetables as being more savory. Watermelon, with its sweet and juicy taste, fits perfectly into the fruit category.
On the other hand, when it comes to cooking and using watermelon in savory dishes, some people like to call it a vegetable. They use it in salads, salsas, and even grilled dishes, treating it like a veggie friend that adds a refreshing twist to their meals.
So, the next time you enjoy a juicy slice of watermelon, remember that it’s not just a fruit—it’s a sneaky vegetable too. Enjoy the best of both worlds!
Fact # 2 Watermelon is over 90% Water
Watermelons are called watermelons because they are made of mostly water. In fact, watermelons are 92% water. Watermelons are also sweet; they are 6% sugar.
When you bite into a watermelon, you’ll notice that it’s super juicy and quenches your thirst. That’s because all that water inside the watermelon keeps you hydrated. It’s like eating a delicious, natural drink!
Watermelon is like a juicy sponge that soaks up water from the ground while it’s growing. That’s why it feels heavy and full when you pick it up. So, when you eat a watermelon, you’re not just enjoying a tasty snack; you’re also giving your body lots of water to stay healthy and cool.
Fact # 3 Watermelon is Nutritious
Did you know that watermelon isn’t just delicious, but it’s also really good for you? It’s packed with lots of important things that help your body grow strong and healthy and may even help fight and prevent cancers. Let’s explore why watermelon is so nutritious!
Vitamins: Watermelon is full of vitamins that your body needs to stay healthy. It has lots of vitamin C, which helps your body fight off germs and keep your skin nice and healthy.
Antioxidants: Watermelon has something called antioxidants. Antioxidants are like superheroes; they protect cells in our bodies and keep them safe and healthy. They make sure our cells stay strong and can do all the amazing things they need to do.
Fiber: Fiber helps with digestion and keeps our tummy happy and healthy.
Energy Boost: Watermelon gives you a burst of energy! It has natural sugars that help your body feel strong and full of pep.
Eye Health: Did you know that watermelon is good for your eyes? It has something called beta-carotene, which is like a superhero for your eyes.
Heart-Friendly: Watermelon is kind to your heart. It has something called lycopene, which is a special nutrient that keeps your heart healthy and strong.
Fact # 4 There are over 1,000 Types of Watermelon
All across the world, there are around 1,200 types of watermelon. Here in the United States, there are over 50 types of watermelon.
There are seeded watermelons, the watermelons with the little black seeds, and seedless watermelons, the watermelons with no black seeds, only tiny white seeds. Seedless watermelons are a hybrid species of watermelon.
Watermelon can be eaten by cutting it up into slices or cubes, frozen and eaten as a popsicle, or you can drink it as juice. Because it contains mostly water, it is a light and refreshing snack on hot summer days.
Fact # 5 People have been Eating Watermelon for 5,000
Watermelons date back over 5,000 years ago in Egypt. There are recordings of watermelon hieroglyphics on tombs in Ancient Egypt. During that time, watermelons were buried with people. It was believed that the watermelon would nourish the dead in the afterlife.
Originate in the Kalahari Desert
As time passed, people started discovering how tasty and refreshing watermelons were. They realized that watermelons were yummy and great for quenching their thirst, especially in hot places like Egypt.
Watermelon traveled from Africa through the Mediterranean Sea. They made their way to China in the 10th century.
They started to travel across the world, spreading their sweetness to different countries and continents. People from different cultures and backgrounds fell in love with these juicy treats.
Fast forward to today, and watermelons are enjoyed by people all over the world! They symbolize summertime and are a staple at picnics and backyard parties. You can find watermelons in many different shapes, sizes, and colors, each with its own special taste.
Fact # 6 Watermelons Can Be Different Colors
When we picture a watermelon, we picture a large circular green melon with red inside and tiny black seeds. Did you know that watermelons can have different colors inside? Watermelons can also be yellow inside or even white. A watermelon’s size, shape, and color depend on the type.
Fact # 7 Watermelons Like Warm Climates and Sandy Soil
Watermelons grow best in warm, sunny climates with sandy soil. They need a lot of sunlight to grow big and sweet.
They also need a place with a lot of space because watermelon plants spread out and have long vines. Watermelon seedlings are spaced out 2-3 ft apart. The vines grow pretty quickly. 2-15 watermelons can grow on each vine.
Watermelons also need rich and well-drained soil, meaning water can easily flow through it. They don’t like their roots to be too wet or sit in water for too long. This is why sandy soil is great for watermelons.
It takes about 30 days for the fruit to be ready to be harvested. Watermelons do not continue to get ripe after you pick them. You have to wait to pick them off the vine until they are ready to be eaten.
How do you know when to pick a watermelon? It is ready when the part that sits on the soil turns a pale yellow color. Once the watermelon is picked from the vine, it can be stored for 1-2 weeks before.
Fact # 8 Watermelons Grow All Over The World
Watermelons grow on every continent except Antarctica. China is the world’s largest producer of watermelon. Watermelons grow all across the United States. Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California produce the most watermelons in the country.
Fact #9 In Japan, Watermelons are Gifts
In Japan, people give special square watermelons as gifts, but how do they get square?
When the watermelons are still small, they are carefully placed inside special square-shaped boxes. These boxes have a clear plastic or glass covering on the top, so the watermelon can still get sunlight.
As the watermelon grows, it takes the shape of a box and becomes square instead of round.
The farmers in Japan use this special method to make square watermelons because they are easier to store and transport. They fit nicely in refrigerators and take up less space. Also, their unique shape makes them look really cool and different!
Square watermelons in Japan are often considered a luxury item or a special gift. People buy them for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, or as a symbol of good luck.
Watermelon Fact # 10 Watermelons are Huge
The size of a watermelon depends on the type of watermelon it is and the growing conditions. The average watermelon is approximately 26 pounds. However, some varieties of watermelon grow much larger and average 50 pounds.
The largest watermelon ever grown and recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records was in 2013 in Ohio. The watermelon was 350.5 pounds and was grown by Chris Kent.
Conclusion
Watermelons are amazing fruits that are so much fun to learn about! We discovered that watermelons need a warm and sunny environment to grow big and juicy. They love lots of sunlight and need plenty of space to spread out their long vines. Watermelons also need soil that drains well and lots of water to drink.
We found out that they grow best in the summertime and don’t like the cold. We also learned that watermelons are nutritious and make a great summertime snack.
Remember all these watermelon facts for kids next time you enjoy a juicy watermelon!
