Watermelon’s history dates back 5000 years to southern Africa where the tough, drought-tolerant ancestor of watermelon thrived. Although we don’t know the exact identity of this plant, we do know it was prized for its ability to store water and was used by indigenous people in the Kalahari Desert region.
Where did watermelons originally come from?
Background and Aims Watermelons, Citrullus species (Cucurbitaceae), are native to Africa and have been cultivated since ancient times. The fruit flesh of wild watermelons is watery, but typically hard-textured, pale-coloured and bland or bitter.
Who first made watermelon?
The first watermelons appeared in South Africa some 5,000 years ago, and we still can find many wild variants there, from sweet, too bland and bitter. They spread from there and by the 2000th year BC they were cultivated and became an everyday food in ancient Egypt.
Who brought watermelons to America?
The Spanish then brought watermelon to the Americas in the 1500s. American Indians are believed to have started cultivating the fruit shortly after that. European colonists also brought watermelon seeds with them as they settled in the Americas. By 1629, they were widely grown in Massachusetts.
How did watermelon get its name?
How did the watermelon get its common name? The C. lanatus produces a fruit that is about 93% water, making it the majority of it water, hence the name “water” melon. The “melon” part came from the fact that the fruit is large and round and has a sweet, pulpy flesh.
Did you know facts about watermelon?
Fun Facts and Trivia
The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Early explorers used watermelons as canteens. Watermelon’s official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. It is cousins to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
Is watermelon healthy to eat?
Packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories, containing just 46 per cup (152 grams) ( 5 ).
What is the original watermelon?
Paris says the true ancestor of the modern watermelon is indigenous to northeastern Africa: citrullus lanatus var. colocynthoides, known as gurum in Sudan and gurma in Egypt.
What country eats the most watermelon?
China
Global Watermelons Consumption
With nearly X thousand tons, China became the world’s leading watermelon consuming country, making up X% of global consumption.
Why watermelon is red?
Red watermelons contain a chemical called lycopene that produces the red colour in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes. The lack of lycopene in yellow watermelon results in their yellow flesh. Yellow watermelons were actually cultivated before red melons.
What’s the oldest fruit in the world?
Figs – the world’s oldest fruits
Fig trees have been grown since ancient times, which is why figs are often referred to as the oldest fruits known to man.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Only give your dog seedless watermelon or pieces of watermelon from which you’ve removed all of the seeds. Scoop out the fruit with a melon baller or cut it into small bites, being careful to remove any part of the rind. Only give your dog real watermelon.
Is watermelon good for men?
Good for prostate protection
Chow down on watermelon, guys — it can help with prostate health and erectile dysfunction, thanks to phytonutrients like lycopene and citrulline. Lycopene — also found in other red fruits and vegetables — plays a role in protecting against prostate cancer.
What does the watermelon symbolize?
Watermelons are quite popular and have deep symbolism in many cultures. They symbolize fertility, intellect, and happiness. Seeing them in your dreams can also have many positive connotations. If you dream about a watermelon, it is often interpreted that you are doing great in your life and it will only get better.
Is watermelon good for diabetes?
Watermelon is safe for people with diabetes to eat in moderation. However, it is best to consume watermelon and other high GI fruits alongside foods that contain plenty of nutritious fats, fiber, and protein.
How many colors of watermelon are there?
We are most familiar with the vivid reddish-pink flesh dotted with black seeds, but there are also white-, pink-, yellow- and orange-fleshed varieties, both with seeds and without. Watermelon can be divided into four categories: icebox, picnic, seedless, and yellow-orange fleshed.
What are 5 facts about watermelon?
14 Facts You Might Not Know About Watermelon
- Watermelon is a berry!
- Watermelon’s name caused a big kerfuffle.
- Watermelon wasn’t always sweet.
- Watermelon’s ancestry is still unknown.
- Watermelon was used as a canteen for long voyages.
- Watermelon was found in King Tut’s tomb.
What are the benefits of watermelon?
Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks.
How many types of watermelon are there?
WatermelonLower classifications
Is watermelon good for kidneys?
Watermelon is healthy because it’s full of lycopene – an antioxidant that helps break down harmful free-oxygen radicals. It prevents kidney injury and therefore, is a kidney-friendly food.
Is watermelon good for hair?
Watermelon is packed with Vitamin C, which helps your body to use non-heme iron – this ensures that enough iron is in your red blood cells to assist in carrying oxygen to your hair follicles, promoting healthy hair. Collagen is also needed for healthy hair growth and watermelon helps promote collagen formation.