Myth or Fact: Which Fruits Contain 97% of Water?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

While the human body is approximately 60% water, no standard fruit contains 97% water. This article clarifies which popular produce items are exceptionally hydrating and which fruit-often mistaken for a vegetable-comes closest to this high percentage.

Quick Summary

Clarifying the myth that no common fruit is 97% water. Learn about the most water-dense fruits and their health benefits to naturally boost hydration and wellness.

Key Points

No Fruit Contains 97% Water: While the myth persists, no standard fruit reaches this hydration level; the closest is the cucumber, often mistaken for a vegetable, with a water content of up to 96%.
Watermelon is a Top Contender: Watermelon, a true fruit, is a hydration hero with a water content of 91-92% and is also rich in lycopene and vitamins A and C.
Berries are Highly Hydrating: Strawberries contain about 91% water and offer a great source of vitamin C and fiber, while raspberries and blueberries also boast high water percentages.
Melons Offer Nutrients and Water: Cantaloupe and honeydew melons both contain around 90% water and are excellent sources of potassium and vitamins A and C.
Eating Water Supports Overall Health: Consuming water-rich fruits contributes to daily fluid intake and provides essential nutrients, aiding in skin health, detoxification, and weight management.
Electrolytes are Key: Many hydrating fruits contain important electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which help maintain fluid balance in the body, especially during hot weather or after exercise.

Unpacking the 97% Water Myth

When searching for which fruits contain 97% of water, the answer often points to the cucumber. Botanically classified as a fruit because it contains seeds and develops from a flower's ovary, cucumbers are typically consumed as vegetables. While some sources claim their water content can reach 97%, most nutritional data from sources like the USDA indicate a range closer to 95-96%. This makes cucumbers exceptionally hydrating, even if they don't quite hit the 97% mark.

The True Champions of Hydrating Fruits

Many other fruits also serve as excellent sources of hydration, with water content frequently exceeding 80%. Incorporating these into your diet provides essential fluids along with valuable vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Here are some of the most hydrating fruits:

Watermelon (91-92% water): A popular summer fruit known for high water content and antioxidants like lycopene.
Strawberries (91% water): Rich in water, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Grapefruit (90-91% water): A citrus fruit providing vitamin C and potassium for fluid balance.
Cantaloupe (90% water): This melon is high in vitamins A and C, supporting hydration and immunity.
Peaches (89% water): Juicy and sweet, peaches offer potassium and vitamins A and C.
Oranges (87% water): A classic source of vitamin C, oranges also provide hydration, potassium, and fiber.
Pineapple (86% water): Contains water and bromelain, an enzyme with digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Raspberries (86% water): Good source of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C.
Apples (86% water): Versatile and portable, apples contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Comparison of Water-Dense Produce


Produce Item	Water Content (%)	Key Nutrients	Culinary Uses
Cucumber	95-96%	Vitamin K, Potassium, Magnesium	Salads, infused water, pickles, raw snack
Watermelon	91-92%	Lycopene, Vitamins A & C	Slices, salads, juice, smoothies
Strawberries	91%	Vitamin C, Fiber, Antioxidants	Toppings, smoothies, fruit salads, raw snack
Cantaloupe	90%	Vitamin A & C, Potassium	Fruit salads, prosciutto pairing, smoothies
Tomatoes	94%	Vitamin C, Potassium, Lycopene	Salads, sauces, gazpacho, sandwiches

The Importance of Eating Your Water

Approximately 20% of your daily water intake comes from the foods you eat. Consuming water-rich fruits offers numerous health benefits beyond hydration.

Key benefits include:

Aids in detoxification: Watery foods help flush toxins.
Supports weight management: High water and fiber promote fullness and are typically low in calories.
Boosts skin health: Proper hydration from these foods improves skin moisture and elasticity.
Replenishes electrolytes: Many contain potassium and magnesium, vital for nerve and muscle function and lost through sweat.
Regulates body temperature: Helps cool the body, especially in hot conditions or after exercise.
Increases energy levels: Natural sugars and fiber provide sustained energy.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Water-Rich Fruits

Making hydration enjoyable is easy. Try these creative methods:

Infused Water: Add cucumber, lemon, or strawberry slices to water.
Fruit Salads: Mix cantaloupe, watermelon, and peaches with mint or basil.
Smoothies: Blend watermelon with other water-rich fruits or spinach.
Frozen Treats: Freeze fruit slices or blended fruit for healthy popsicles.
Savory Pairings: Combine watermelon with feta and mint, or use cucumber and tomatoes in gazpacho.

Conclusion

The search for which fruits contain 97% of water highlights the cucumber, a botanical fruit, as coming closest to this high percentage. However, many other popular fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and cantaloupe offer significant hydration with water content over 90%. Incorporating these delicious and nutrient-dense options into your diet supports overall health, benefiting skin, digestion, and energy levels. Eating water-rich foods is a powerful way to enhance well-being. For more details on hydration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides useful resources.

Sources Quora. (2023, December 19). Which fruit contain 97% water?. [https://www.quora.com/Which-fruit-contain-97-water] Watermelon Board. Watermelon's Benefits. [https://www.watermelon.org/nutrition/watermelons-benefits/] Wikipedia. (2024, September 24). Cucumber. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cucumber] Healthline. (2021, June 29). What to Eat When Dehydrated: 7 Helpful Foods and Drinks. [https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-eat-when-dehydrated]

Frequently Asked Questions

Botanically, a cucumber is a fruit because it grows from a flower and contains seeds. However, it is most commonly treated and prepared as a vegetable in culinary contexts.

While often categorized as a vegetable, the cucumber has the highest water content of up to 96%. Among more traditional fruits, watermelon is a top contender, with approximately 91-92% water.

Yes, absolutely. Experts state that about 20% of your daily water intake comes from the foods you eat, with fruits and vegetables being a significant source.

While water-rich fruits are healthy, moderation is key. They still contain natural sugars, and overconsumption could impact blood sugar levels. A balanced diet with a variety of foods is always best.

Beyond hydration, these fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They can aid in digestion, boost skin health, support weight management, and help replenish electrolytes.

Yes, frozen fruits like strawberries and mango contain a very similar water content to their fresh counterparts. Freezing does not significantly alter the water percentage.

A simple way is to create fruit-infused water with slices of cucumber or citrus, make fruit salads, or blend them into smoothies. These methods increase your fluid intake while providing added flavor and nutrients.

No, water content varies significantly across different fruits. While many, like melons and berries, are very high in water, others like bananas contain less (~75%), and dried fruits contain very little.