Which Country Produces The Most Watermelon?

With all the varieties of watermelons enjoyed throughout the summer in the United States, one could easily believe it is the top-producing country as far as this fruit is concerned. However, that belief would be misplaced — by a long shot. The truth is that the U.S. barely cracks the top 10 when it comes to watermelon production. Instead, roughly 60% of the world's supply comes from China, placing this nation in the dominant spot. The countries trailing it pale in comparison.

China cultivated a whopping estimated 60.1 million tons of watermelon in 2023. Because the berries (yes, watermelons are indeed considered berries like bananas) can typically grow in a variety of different soils, many countries across the globe dabble in producing them. Yet, "dabble" is an appropriate term here, considering that in the same year China grew its astounding amount, the runner-up (India) had a meager estimate of just 3.5 million tons to its name.

Where does the U.S. land in all this? Despite the town of Cordele, Georgia claiming the moniker "The Watermelon Capitol of the World," China easily dwarfed all U.S. watermelon production in 2022. That year, the country grew 60.4 million tons of watermelon compared to 1.5 million in America. What's more, the country isn't just growing these fruits to ship them off to watermelon lovers around the world, as it turns out Chinese people really appear to love consuming them.

Once considered a food for the affluent, watermelon was not consumed by the masses in China for centuries. The less fortunate typically got a chance to taste them via the edible watermelon rinds discarded by the rich. However, as they became more accessible, the broader population fell in love with what was once a delicacy. They began eating more and more of the fruit until the country became not only the largest producer but also the largest consumer of watermelon, allegedly consuming over 110 pounds (50 kilograms) per person every year.

Watermelons also have a significant cultural status in China. Red is a lucky color here and in other Asian cultures, so it makes sense that the watermelon's ruby red flesh fits the bill. The round shape is often considered lucky as well, while its characteristically large size symbolizes prosperity. Even those tiny seeds most folks spit out while eating the berry have relevance, as they likewise represent abundance. Americans might be seen enjoying watermelon at every summer BBQ worth its salt, but they can't yet hold a candle to the importance of the sweet treat in China, much less its production or consumption.