Watermelon is the second largest vegetable crop worldwide (in terms of production), trailing only tomatoes.
Yes, watermelon is a vegetable. We presented that little-known detail in a blog entry a while back (it’s also discussed on the National Watermelon Promotion Board website). But what got my wheels turning about this piece of trivia is the similar fact that tomatoes aren’t a vegetable, they’re a fruit. I also thought some people might challenge watermelon’s veggie ranking by claiming that potatoes are more widely produced, but that depends upon how you classify potatoes.
According to some sources, potatoes are a tuber or root, not a vegetable, but those sources are only partially correct. Potatoes actually fall into an informal subcategory of vegetables known as root vegetables or tuberous vegetables.
So where’s that place watermelon on the vegetable list? I guess that depends on your definition of a fruit or vegetable. One thing’s for sure, all this scientific stuff is making my head hurt and now I’m hungry for some watermelon and mashed potatoes. Maybe we can all agree that watermelon is “one of the world’s top produce crops based on production” and try not to get bogged down with labels and scientific details.
The bottom line is that it’s yet another victory for watermelon. I’ve always known it was number one in terms of taste, and we also know it’s number one on certain budget-friendly lists, but it’s nice to know that my favorite produce aisle purchase is near the top of the list on another level, too!