Which Country Is the Largest Watermelon Producer in the World?

When it comes to refreshing summer fruits, few can rival the juicy, sweet allure of watermelon. With its high water content, vibrant red flesh, and delightful sweetness, watermelon has cemented its place as a favorite treat around the globe. But have you ever wondered which country is responsible for producing the most watermelons in the world? The answer might not surprise you — China holds the crown as the world’s largest watermelon producer by an impressive margin.

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating journey of watermelon cultivation, the reasons behind China’s dominance in watermelon production, other major producing countries, and the global importance of this beloved fruit.

Before diving into modern production statistics, it’s worth taking a look at where watermelons originated. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is believed to have originated in the deserts of southern Africa, where it grew as a wild fruit with a hard rind and bitter flesh. Ancient Egyptians were among the first to cultivate watermelons over 5,000 years ago, as evidenced by watermelon seeds found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

From Egypt, watermelons spread throughout the Mediterranean region and into Europe and Asia. Through selective breeding over centuries, farmers transformed the bitter, wild fruit into the sweet, juicy watermelon we enjoy today.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, China produces an astounding over 60% of the world’s watermelon supply. In recent years, China’s annual watermelon production has consistently surpassed 60 million metric tons.

To put this in perspective, the total global production of watermelon is around 100 million metric tons. This means that China grows more watermelons than all other countries combined.