Which fruit is 95 percent water?

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

While many fruits contain significant water content, the tomato is widely cited as the one with a water content of approximately 95%. This makes it an exceptionally hydrating food source, often surprising people who think of it as a vegetable.

Quick Summary

The tomato is the fruit with a water content of around 95%, making it a highly hydrating food. Along with other water-rich produce like cucumber and watermelon, it provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health and proper hydration.

Key Points

Tomato is 95% water: The fruit most widely cited as being 95% water is the tomato, a surprising fact for many who use it as a vegetable.
Cucumber is highest overall: The botanical fruit with the highest water content is actually the cucumber, with up to 96%.
Watermelon is 92% water: Another excellent hydrator, watermelon contains about 92% water and is packed with electrolytes and vitamins.
Fruits provide electrolytes: Hydrating fruits like watermelon and cantaloupe contain electrolytes like potassium that are important for fluid balance.
Foods contribute significantly to hydration: Up to 20% of your daily water intake can come from the foods you eat, making high-water fruits a valuable dietary component.
Nutrient-dense options: High-water fruits offer more than just hydration; they provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Tomatoes: The Surprising Champion

Botanically classified as a fruit, the tomato is recognized for its high water content, reaching approximately 95% when ripe. This makes the tomato a notable source of hydration. In addition to being hydrating, tomatoes provide nutritional benefits, including lycopene and vitamins A and C.

Other Water-Rich Fruits for Hydration

Beyond tomatoes, several other fruits and botanical fruits are excellent for hydration. Cucumbers, for instance, often have an even higher water content than tomatoes. Incorporating a variety of these foods can contribute up to 20% of your daily fluid intake.

The Health Benefits of Water-Dense Fruits

Consuming fruits high in water content supports hydration, nutrient transport, and waste removal. These fruits offer vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Electrolytes like potassium in fruits such as watermelon aid in maintaining fluid balance. The fiber content also helps promote satiety.

List of Super-Hydrating Fruits

Cucumber: Known for having one of the highest water contents among solid foods, around 96-97%. It also provides vitamins and potassium.
Watermelon: Contains approximately 92% water and is a good source of vitamins A, C, and lycopene.
Strawberries: Composed of about 91% water, offering fiber and vitamin C.
Cantaloupe: A muskmelon with a 90% water content, rich in vitamins A and C.
Grapefruit: Contains about 91% water and provides vitamins and antioxidants.

Comparison of Water-Rich Fruits

Below is a comparison of some fruits with high water content.


Fruit (Botanical Classification)	Approx. Water Content	Key Nutrients	Culinary Use	Taste Profile
Tomato	~95%	Lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C	Sauces, salads, sandwiches	Savory, sweet, acidic
Cucumber	~96%	Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium	Salads, sandwiches, infused water	Mild, crisp, refreshing
Watermelon	~92%	Lycopene, Vitamin A, Vitamin C	Snacks, salads, smoothies	Sweet, juicy
Strawberry	~91%	Vitamin C, Manganese, Antioxidants	Desserts, smoothies, salads	Sweet, slightly tart
Cantaloupe	~90%	Vitamin A, Vitamin C	Breakfast, fruit salads	Sweet, mild

Incorporating High-Water Fruits Into Your Diet

Including high-water fruits in your diet is simple. Add tomatoes and cucumbers to sandwiches, use fruit in salads, or create fruit-infused water. Watermelon is great for smoothies or snacks. A balanced diet with these foods helps maintain hydration, regulate body temperature, and support bodily functions.

Conclusion

While cucumber has the highest water content overall, the tomato stands out with approximately 95% water, making it a very hydrating fruit. Combining tomatoes with other water-rich fruits like watermelon and strawberries is beneficial for health and hydration, providing essential nutrients along with fluids. These fruits offer a delicious way to stay hydrated and support overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Botanically, the cucumber is a fruit because it grows from the flower of the plant and contains seeds. Culinarily, however, it is treated as a vegetable due to its savory flavor and use in salads and savory dishes.

Watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruits, but it is typically composed of about 92% water, not 95%. While incredibly hydrating, it falls slightly short of the 95% mark held by the tomato.

Besides the tomato (95%) and cucumber (96%), other fruits with very high water content include strawberries (~91%), cantaloupe (~90%), and grapefruit (~91%).

While drinking water is essential, eating water-rich fruits provides additional benefits. These foods contain electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals that aid in fluid balance and nutrient absorption, which can make them more effective for rehydration in some cases.

Yes, a ripe fruit or vegetable typically contains more water than an unripe one. For example, a ripe tomato will be juicier and more hydrating than a green one.

Yes, water-dense fruits and vegetables can be beneficial for weight management. Their high water and fiber content promote a feeling of fullness, which can help reduce overall calorie intake.

You can add them to smoothies, use them in salads, make fruit-infused water, or simply enjoy them as a refreshing snack. For example, add strawberries to your yogurt or blend watermelon into a summer slushie.