Official State Vegetable of Oklahoma Although there is discussion over whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable, Senator Don Barrington (who sponsored the bill) said watermelon comes from the cucumber and gourd families, which are classified as vegetables. Oklahoma also recognizes a state fruit (strawberry).
Why is watermelon a vegetable in Oklahoma?
Barrington claimed that while it was classically considered a fruit, the watermelon’s placement in the Curcurbitaceae family makes it a relative of the cucumber, pumpkin, and squash, and is therefore a vegetable (via Snopes).
Is Oklahoma known for watermelon?
Oklahoma ranks number 12 nationally in the production of watermelon.
In what state is watermelon considered a vegetable?
Oklahoma’s
The watermelon has been Oklahoma’s state vegetable — not fruit — for nearly a decade.
Why is watermelon considered a vegetable crop?
Watermelon is a Vegetable
It is planted from seeds or seedlings, harvested, and then cleared from the field like other vegetables. According to Webster’s dictionary, a vegetable is anything made or obtained from plants (2004).
What fruit is Oklahoma known for?
strawberry
The bill passed, naming the strawberry the official state fruit (25 OS § 98.10).
What state is known for watermelon?
(AP) — Summer means relaxing by the pool, barbeques and refreshing slices of watermelon and no one produces more of this favorite summertime fruit than Florida. The Sunshine State is the top producer of watermelon in the United States.
Is watermelon a fruit in Oklahoma?
In a vote Wednesday, the Legislature determined the watermelon is a vegetable, not a fruit. And with a stroke of his pen, Gov. Brad Henry can make it the law of the land — in Oklahoma at least.
What is Oklahoma’s state food?
The official state meal of Oklahoma consists of fried okra, cornbread, barbecue pork, squash, biscuits, sausage and gravy, grits, corn, strawberries (state fruit), chicken fried steak, pecan pie, and black-eyed peas.
How do watermelons grow in Oklahoma?
Watermelon planting begins in late March in southern Oklahoma and mid-April in northern areas. Seed will not germinate at soil temperatures below 60 F, and the optimum germination rate range is 70 F to 95 F. Seedless watermelon varieties have comparatively weak seeds and are most often established by using transplants.
Why is a watermelon a vegetable and a fruit?
If you talk to a botanist, they’ll maintain that watermelon is a fruit because it develops from the plant’s ovary after flowering and holds the seeds. A vegetable is anything eaten from other parts of a plant, like spinach leaves or carrots (which are roots).
What makes a fruit vs vegetable?
Botanically, fruits and vegetables are classified depending on which part of the plant they come from. A fruit develops from the flower of a plant, while the other parts of the plant are categorized as vegetables. Fruits contain seeds, while vegetables can consist of roots, stems and leaves.
Is watermelon a berry?
The elongated tough-skinned fruits of the family Cucurbitaceae, including watermelons, cucumbers, and gourds, are a type of berry referred to as pepos. Any small fleshy fruit is popularly called a berry, especially if it is edible.
What fruit is actually a vegetable?
This category includes items many consider to be vegetables, including squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant and avocados. Yes, pumpkins are a fruit! Peas and beans are a bit trickier, because if you just eat what’s inside the pod, you’re eating the seed.
Where did watermelon originally come from?
Background and Aims Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times. The fruit flesh of wild watermelons is watery, but typically hard-textured, pale-coloured and bland or bitter.
Is watermelon native to America?
Watermelon comes from Africa.
Over time, the watermelon spread to the Mediterranean and Europe before landing in America. This migration is believed to have come due to the slave trade, which is why the fruit is such a staple in Southern cuisine.
What fruit is native to Oklahoma?
Native to Oklahoma, elderberries is a crop often harvested from the wild for a variety of uses while also supplying significant health benefits.
What food is Oklahoma famous for?
chicken-fried steak
Oklahomans have a love of the land and the food raised and grown on it. The state is rich with culinary heritage evident in local favorites like chicken-fried steak, Indian tacos, fried-onion burgers and, of course, barbecue.
What’s the most popular food in Oklahoma?
These Are The Foods That Oklahoma Is Known For, And The Variety Might Surprise You
- 8 Biscuits and Gravy.
- 7 Bahn Mi.
- 6 Fried Okra.
- 5 Strawberries.
- 4 Fried Pies.
- 3 Calf Fries.
- 2 Steak.
- 1 Tamale Pie.
What state has the best tasting watermelon?
Cave City melons are not only Arkansas famous, but world famous as the town sign reads “home of the world’s sweetest watermelon.” Locals from the town of 2,000 will tell you the secret is in the soil, not just in the seeds!
What state has the most watermelon?
Florida
— Summer means relaxing by the pool, barbeques and refreshing slices of watermelon and no one produces more of this favorite summertime fruit than Florida. The Sunshine State is the top producer of watermelon in the United States.