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๐Watermelons originated in Africa and are botanically a type of berry, while also being used historically as canteens by early explorers. They are a nutritious fruit, high in lycopene, vitamins A and C, and potassium, and are made of about 92% water. The entire fruit is technically edible, but not all parts are commonly eaten. Watermelons are believed to have originated in northeastern Africa. The first recorded harvest occurred over 5,000 years ago in Egypt, where watermelons were placed in the tombs of pharaohs to nourish them in the afterlife. Early explorers used the hollowed-out shells of watermelons as canteens for carrying water.
American Cookery, the first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1796, contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles. Botanically, watermelon is classified as a berry, specifically a pepo, which is a fruit with a hard rind and a fleshy interior.
Watermelons are composed of approximately 92% water.
They are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant also found in tomatoes that is linked to reduced risks of certain diseases. Watermelon contains more lycopene per pound than raw tomatoes.
Watermelons are related to other cucurbits like cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. China is the world's leading producer of watermelons, with over 1,200 varieties grown worldwide. Texas, Florida, Georgia, and California are the top four watermelon-producing states in the U.S. A watermelon takes about 80 to 95 days to grow from planting to harvesting. The seedless varieties are a result of crossbreeding, not genetic modification. Japan has grown cube-shaped watermelons in boxes for decades, and other shapes like hearts are also grown.
The world's heaviest watermelon, grown in 2013, weighed 350.5 pounds.
A ripe watermelon will have a deep color and a hard rind that is free of cuts, bruises, or dents. A yellowish spot on one side is a good sign it wasn't harvested prematurely. A ripe watermelon will yield a resonating "thump" when slapped with an open palm.
Uncut melons can be stored at room temperature for about a week, while cut watermelon should be wrapped and refrigerated.
2025-11-30 06:07:50