Table of Contents
Watermelon is one of the juiciest fruits to exist. With a very high water content, it consists of about 92% water, and here is all you need to know about this fruit.
Watermelon is a low-calorie summer food that is sweet and refreshing. It contains vital elements such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as hydration.
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a flowering plant species of the Cucurbitaceae family and the name of its edible. A scrambling and trailing vine-like plant, it was originally domesticated in Africa. It is a highly cultivated fruit worldwide, with more than 1,000 varieties.
The fruit is a type of berry known as a pepo in botanical terms. The reddish, white, or yellow sweet juicy flesh varies with variety, as does the form of the fruit and the thickness of the rind. The weight of watermelon can range from 1 to 2 kilograms (2.5 to 5 pounds) to 20 kilograms (44 pounds) or more. The quantity of grapes per vine varies between two and fifteen.
Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit that is typically served as fresh slices, diced in mixed fruit salads or juice. Watermelon juice can be converted into wine or combined with other fruit juices.
The nutty-flavored seeds can be dried and roasted, or crushed into flour. Watermelon rinds may be eaten, but their unappealing flavor may be overcome by pickling, sometimes eaten as a vegetable, stir-fried or stewed.
Brief history
Watermelon melon was first used as a source of water by the ancients. Watermelon’s origins can be traced back 5000 years to southern Africa, where a strong, drought-resistant predecessor thrived. Although we don’t know what this plant’s official name is, we do know that it was revered for its ability to conserve water and was used by indigenous people in the Kalahari Desert.
It had bitter flesh, unlike today’s watermelon. People native to the region are said to have roasted and eaten its seeds as a source of food, in addition to taking advantage of its water content.
Watermelon soon made its way to Egypt, where it was enhanced for the first time. Watermelon seeds and drawings have been uncovered in Egyptian tombs dating back over 4,000 years. Some tomb paintings portray an oval-shaped watermelon, implying that ancient plant breeders must have enhanced the round wild form.
It’s very possible that progress was achieved in developing melons with sweeter, more appealing flesh during this time of early improvement. As a result, watermelon evolved from a source of water to a tasty snack.
Watermelon is assumed to have arrived in the New World via European colonists and the slave trade from Africa. It was discovered growing in Florida in 1576 and Massachusetts in 1629. Watermelon was farmed by Native Americans from the Mississippi Valley south to Florida by the early part of our nation’s history, and Thomas Jefferson grew it at Monticello.
Watermelon improvement began practically as soon as the crop was produced through selection (preserving the seeds of superior melons). Significant progress was made in the United States during the twentieth century when the USDA supported a watermelon breeding experiment at its Charleston, SC facility.
A huge, oblong light green melon that became known as “the grey melon from Charleston” was one of the results of this research. ‘Charleston Grey’ is still a commonly planted cultivar recognized for its great yields, disease resistance, and table quality nearly 70 years later.
The emergence of seedless watermelons in the 1950s marked a significant advancement in watermelon development. Watermelons with no seeds are produced by crossing a regular (diploid) watermelon with one that has had its chromosome number doubled, resulting in a tetraploid strain with four sets of chromosomes. When a tetraploid with four sets of chromosomes crosses with a diploid with two sets, the result is a triploid with three sets. Triploids are extremely sterile, and only a small percentage of them produce viable gametes.
Myth About Watermelons
If you eat the seeds of watermelon, a watermelon would grow in your stomach – definitely not true. Sure we’ve all eaten watermelon seeds.
Varieties of Watermelon
Watermelon has a distinct, mouth-watering, thirst-quenching, sweet flesh surrounded by a solid rind of all kinds. Some watermelon varieties have a sweeter rind and flesh, while others have a different colored rind and flesh. The rectangular, dark green watermelon with brilliant, ruby red pulp is the most common, but melons can also be light pink, yellow, or even orange. Watermelons range in size from modest 5 pounders (2 kg.) to gigantic 200 pounders (91 kg.).
1. Seedless variety
Seedless watermelons have been around for almost 50 years and have few or no seeds. Watermelon breeders discovered that crossing a diploid (two sets of chromosomes) plant with a tetraploid (four sets of chromosomes) plant creates a fruit that generates a triploid seed.
Varieties of seedless watermelon include
King of hearts
The watermelon ‘King of Hearts’ is a delicately striped variety that weighs 14 to 18 pounds on average (6-8 kg.). Because the seeds are immature, white, and soft, they are entirely edible. The rind of King of Hearts is thick, and it stores and travels well.
Citrullus lanatus is the botanical name for one of the best long vine melons. The term “long vine” refers to the fact that it requires a lot of room to develop and yield those summer fruits. Watermelon is grown in more than 50 different types all over the world. The game King of Hearts was created on Mercer Island, Washington.
Crimson Sweet watermelon
Crimson Sweet is a beautiful light green melon with dark stripes that is known for its high sugar content and delicious flavor. The seeds are tiny and black in color. Anthracnose and fusarium wilt resistance is present in the vines. Allow lots of room for the vines to grow. It was first released in 1963 by Kansas State University and has since become a timeless favorite. Lycopene is abundant in this variety.
Other seedless varieties include;
- Queen of hearts
- Millionaire
- Jack of hearts
- Trio
- Nova
2. Black diamond watermelons
Black Diamond is an open-pollinated heirloom watermelon variety. For many years, commercial and home gardeners have preferred Black Diamond watermelons for a variety of reasons. Watermelon plants from the Black Diamond variety have robust vines that produce fruits that can weigh up to 50 pounds (23 kg.).
Gray-black seeds (ideal for seed spitting contests) can be found in the fruits, which can grow to be fairly enormous. Local gardeners in Arkansas, where it’s claimed to have been produced, advocate this melon for greased watermelon competitions: Simply oil the melon, drop it in a child’s plastic swimming pool, and watch the youngsters chase it down and try to catch it!
3. Cal sweet bush watermelons
Cal Sweet Bush is another example of how continuous breeding efforts yield a new and improved product. This watermelon has true short internodes (parts between the stem joints). The vines on these watermelons are compact and bushy, growing only 14-18” long but providing ample leaf protection to protect the fruits.
Each plant produces two to three fruits weighing 10 to 12 pounds. This newcomer, like previous AAS Winners, has great flavor and texture. Cal Sweet Bush is a fantastic watermelon for individuals with a small yard or who wish to grow a container melon. If cultivated in a container, Cal Sweet Bush will produce at least one fruit per vine.
4. Charleston grey watermelons
Charleston Gray watermelons are large, elongated melons with a greenish-gray rind that gives them their name. This heritage melon’s vivid crimson flesh is sweet and juicy. It’s not difficult to grow heritage watermelons like Charleston Gray if you have lots of sunlight and warmth.
5. Picnic watermelons
Picnics are larger than iceboxes, weighing between 15 and 50 pounds on average. They can, however, become much larger. Bill Rogerson of North Carolina made the Guinness Book of World Records in 1991 with his massive 279-pound watermelon! This watermelon got its name from the fact that it can feed a big party, such as at a picnic or backyard BBQ. Most of us are familiar with this type of watermelon, which has an oval or round form, a vivid green exterior, and rich red flesh. All sweet, Black Diamond, Charleston Gray, Crimson Sweet, and Jubilee are some of the picnic watermelon varieties.
6. Icebox watermelons
The icebox watermelon gets its name from its size, which ranges from five to fifteen pounds and makes it easier to store in the refrigerator. They include the Sugar Baby and Tiger Baby kinds, which are intended to feed a single person or a small family. The Sugar Baby has a dark green rind with sweet, red flesh, while the Tiger Baby matures to a gold color.
7. Yellow-orange watermelons
The flesh inside these round or oblong kinds will be golden to orange in color. They come in seedless or seeded varieties and range in weight from 10 to 30 pounds. Chiffon and Honeyheart are seedless cultivars, while Desert King, Tendergold, Yellow Baby, and Yellow Doll are seeded varieties to seek for.
8. Jamboree watermelons
Jamboree Watermelon is a hybrid “allsweet” watermelon with extra-large, consistent fruits. This picnic-style watermelon variety produces oblong fruits weighing 25-30 pounds on average. The flesh of the fruits is a rich red color and quite tasty. This watermelon type has a wide range of adaptations and thrives in a number of environments. Although watermelons are most recognized for their effectiveness in hotter areas, this type thrives in cooler settings as well. The dark green skin is sunburn resistant, and the fruits keep well once picked.
Watermelon Relatives
Watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds(classified as Citrullus Lantus), related to the cucumber, squash, and pumpkin, bitter melon, and various types of melons, zucchini, gourds, luffa, etc. In the Cucurbitaceae plant family, there are about 965 species.
Nutritional Facts of Watermelon
Watermelon consists mostly of water (91%) and carbs (7.5%). It provides almost no protein or fat and is very low in calories.
The nutrients in 2/3 cup (100 grams) of raw watermelon are:
- Calories: 30
- Water: 91%
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Carbs: 7.6 grams
- Sugar: 6.2 grams
- Fiber: 0.4 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
Carbs:
Watermelon’s carbs are primarily sugars, with only a small amount of fiber. Fructose makes up half of the sugar, glucose makes up a quarter, and sucrose makes up less than a quarter, with other sugars making up tiny fractions.
The glycemic index (GI) of watermelon is 76. This indicates it may cause your blood sugar to rise faster than foods with a lower GI. However, a half cup of sliced watermelon has a glycemic load of 4, which is considered modest when considering how much you consume each serving.
Fiber
Watermelon has low fiber content, with approximately 0.4 grams per 2/3 cup (100 grams). It is, however, high in FODMAPs, or fermentable short-chain carbohydrates, because to its fructose level. Individuals who cannot adequately digest fructose, such as those with fructose malabsorption, may experience unpleasant digestive symptoms if they consume large amounts of it.
Vitamins and minerals
The nutrients in a fully ripe red watermelon are higher than in a less ripe watermelon. Watermelon is a strong source of vitamin C and vitamin A, with a single serving providing a considerable portion of your daily requirement for each.
Vitamin C promotes wound healing and may have anti-aging and immune-boosting properties6properties, whilst vitamin A is crucial for eye health.
A one-cup portion of watermelon also contains about 7% of your daily copper and pantothenic acid requirements, 5% of biotin, and 4% of vitamins B1 and B6.
Health Benefits
1. It keeps you hydrated
Water is an essential component in keeping your body hydrated. Eating foods with a high water content, on the other hand, can assist. Watermelon, interestingly, is 92 percent water. What’s more, high water content is one of the reasons why fruits and vegetables make you feel full. You’re eating a lot of food without consuming a lot of calories because of the mix of water and fiber.
2. It is a heart-healthy fruit
According to studies, eating a slice of watermelon every day can help prevent heart disease by preventing the formation of harmful cholesterol. Watermelon eating has also been associated with a reduction in fatty deposits within the blood vessels. Citrulline, a molecule found in watermelon, is responsible for the fruit’s heart-healthy benefits. Citrulline, according to a Kentucky study, can help with atherosclerosis. Citrulline has also been found to help postmenopausal women with vascular stiffness.
3. It helps lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation
L-citrulline, a naturally occurring chemical found in watermelon (especially in the white area of the rind), has been demonstrated to improve artery function and lower blood pressure by assisting blood vessels in relaxing, allowing for better circulation.
Watermelon has been deemed “nature’s Viagra” because to L-effect citrulline’s on blood flow. (Viagra helps with erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow in the penis.) L-citrulline has also been shown to boost muscle oxygenation and athletic performance during endurance exercise in studies.
4. Watermelon contains compounds that may help prevent cancer
Lycopene and other plant chemicals found in watermelon have been researched for their anti-cancer properties. Though lycopene consumption is linked to a lower risk of some cancers, research findings are equivocal. So far, the strongest association appears to be between lycopene and gut malignancies.
It appears to minimize cancer risk via decreasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a cell division protein. High IGF levels are linked to cancer. In addition, cucurbitacin E has been investigated for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.
5. It might help relieve muscle soreness
Lycopene and other plant chemicals found in watermelon have been researched for their anti-cancer properties. Though lycopene consumption is linked to a lower risk of some cancers, research findings are equivocal. So far, the strongest association appears to be between lycopene and gut malignancies.
It appears to minimize cancer risk via decreasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF), a cell division protein. High IGF levels are linked to cancer. In addition, cucurbitacin E has been investigated for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.
Citrulline has been found to accelerate the process of lactic acid removal, thereby relieving muscle soreness. Drinking watermelon juice can also help your muscles receive more oxygen, this helps them recover faster.
6. It is good for your digestive system
While watermelon isn’t particularly high in fiber, the fiber it does have is beneficial to intestinal health. Prebiotics, a form of fiber that stimulates the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the large intestine, are also present in the fruit. Prebiotics has been linked to improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and a more cheerful mood. Prebiotics also help with mineral absorption, blood glucose and insulin levels, and colon cancer prevention.
7. It is helpful in the prevention of asthmatic attack
Lycopene, as one of the most important antioxidants, aids the body’s response to colds and flu. What’s more, this antioxidant has been discovered to help children with asthma flare-ups. Watermelon also assists asthmatic patients to breathe correctly without needing to take each breath with trepidation. Lycopene may have a therapeutic effect on asthmatic individuals, according to a study conducted on 17 of them.
According to a survey, asthmatic patients may benefit from appropriate lycopene and vitamin A intake.
8. Watermelon is great for weight loss
Watermelon has a very low-calorie count. 100 grams of watermelon includes only 30 calories, 0 percent saturated fat, and 6 grams of sugar, which may surprise you. It is an excellent food choice for anyone looking to lose weight.
Ways to Prepare and Enjoy Your Watermelon
1. Watermelon cocktails and mocktails
Summer is watermelon season, which is the ideal time to experiment with watermelon cocktails. Cocktails including margaritas, martinis, and mojitos, as well as nonalcoholic lemonade and punch, are all available.
Fresh watermelon is used in many drink recipes (perfect for picnic leftovers), and because the fruit is so watery, it quickly turns into a delicious juice. Watermelon mixes well with gin, rum, tequila, and vodka, and some watermelon drinks utilize watermelon liqueur instead.
2. Watermelon fruit salads
Fruit salad is a dish consisting of various kinds of fruit, sometimes served in a liquid, either their own juices or a syrup. In different forms, fruit salad can be served as an appetizer, a side salad, or a dessert.
Watermelon goes well with a variety of fruits, including strawberries, bananas, and tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple.
3. Watermelon salad
Watermelon salad is a refreshing summer salad that includes watermelon, mint, feta, and a simple vinaigrette dressing, as well as cucumber and red onion. You can garnish with olives or baby arugula. There are several varieties, some of which include tomatoes and parsley in addition to the mint. Some variations serve it simply with olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, without the vinaigrette. The feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese, and satsuma fruits and chopped pecans can be added to the basic salad.
4. Watermelon smoothies
Because watermelon is roughly 92 percent water, making a watermelon smoothie without a recipe can be difficult. That implies if you throw watermelon cubes into a blender, you’ll get watermelon juice. The key to preparing a rich, luscious watermelon smoothie is to freeze the cubes first. Other elements can then be added to the texture to create other effects.
Some of the best watermelon smoothies include:
- Watermelon pineapple smoothie
- Watermelon strawberry smoothie
- Watermelon blueberry smoothie
- Watermelon banana smoothie
- Orange and watermelon slushie
- Watermelon peach smoothie
5. Watermelon juice
Extracting watermelon juice is a breeze. A blender is all you need instead of an expensive juicer. Scoop the watermelon into the blender, pulse for 30 seconds, and voila! You’ve successfully prepared watermelon juice.
Straight from the blender, take a sip of your juice. You don’t have to stretch it if you like it as is. Pour the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher if your watermelon has seeds in it or if you want it to be less pulpy. Easy! Give your juice a whirl with a spoon if it separates as it sits. It’s a good idea to add a dash of tequila or white rum if you’re thinking about it.