Yes, watermelons are berries! This might surprise some, but botanically speaking, watermelons are classified as berries.
What Makes a Watermelon a Berry?
Botanically, a berry is defined as a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary, containing multiple seeds. Watermelons perfectly fit this definition. Their sweet, juicy flesh develops from a single ovary, and they contain numerous seeds.
The provided reference explicitly states: "Watermelons are berries". Furthermore, it clarifies that watermelons, along with cucumbers, cantaloupes, squash, and pumpkins, belong to a specific type of berry called a pepo. Pepos are characterized by:
- A tough rind
- Multiple flat seeds
- Pulpy flesh
- Being indehiscent (meaning they don't split open to release seeds when ripe)
This botanical classification is based on the fruit's structure and development, not necessarily on its common culinary usage.
Beyond the Basics: The Pepo Family
The fact that watermelons are pepos helps explain some of their characteristics. The hard rind is a key feature of pepos, offering protection for the developing seeds. The multiple seeds inside further confirm its classification.
