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.
Which country created 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.
Which country is famous for watermelon?
In 2020, global production of watermelons was 101.6 million tonnes, with China (mainland) accounting for 60% of the total (60.1 million tonnes).
Production.
| Watermelon production, 2020 (millions of tonnes) | |
|---|---|
| China | 60.1 |
| Turkey | 3.49 |
| India | 2.79 |
| Iran | 2.74 |
Who brought watermelon to Europe?
The Moors
The Moors likely introduced watermelon to Europe in the 13th century during their rule of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes Spain and Portugal. By the 16th and 17th centuries, watermelon of different shapes, sizes, and colors were being described by European horticulturists.
Is watermelon from Italy?
Watermelons originated in Tropical Africa and are in the same family that also includes cantaloupes, cucumbers, squash and zucchini. They were first cultivated by the Egyptians thousands of years ago and arrived in Europe in the 1200s with the returning Crusaders.
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.
Do watermelons grow in Europe?
Spain is Europe’s main producer of melons and by far the largest European exporter of melons. Spanish growers are your main competitor throughout Europe during the summer months. Other European production that affects you when exporting near the summer are the watermelons from Italy and Greece (see Figure 4).
Where is the watermelon capital of the world?
Cordele, also known as “The Watermelon Capital of the World”, is a city in Crisp County, Georgia, United States. The population was 11,608 at the 2000 census. The city is the county seat of Crisp County.
Do watermelons grow in Germany?
Contrary to popular belief, that melons only grow in subtropical areas, many types of watermelons are actually cultivated and harvested in Germany. Among German water melons are breeds like Anguria Janosik, Blacktail Mountain, and Early Moonbeam.
Is watermelon native to America?
Watermelon comes from Africa.
Over time, the watermelon spread to the Mediterranean and Europe before landing in America. This migration is believed to have come due to the slave trade, which is why the fruit is such a staple in Southern cuisine.
What is the oldest fruit?
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.
Do watermelons grow in Egypt?
A DNA study mentioned in New Scientist shows that watermelons were being cultivated in Egypt at least 3500 years ago, based on a watermelon leaf discovered in an Egyptian tomb. It served as a DNA sample for sequencing and comparison with modern-day watermelon varieties.
Where did melons come from?
The melon plant is native to central Asia, and its many cultivated varieties are widely grown in warm regions around the world. Most commercially important melons are sweet and eaten fresh, though some varieties can be made into preserves or pickled.
What is Melone in Italy?
| Melone (Chieti) | |
|---|---|
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Abruzzo |
| Province | Chieti |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
Is cantaloupe from Italy?
Cantalupo in Sabina (Sabino: Candalupu) is a town and comune in the province of Rieti, on the Sabine Hills of Lazio. It is famous as the reputed origin of the muskmelon called a cantaloupe melon.
Where are melons grown in Italy?
In Italy the yellow melon is mainly cultivated in western Sicily, in particular in a vast area of Trapani and, partly, in Palermo. Melons cultivated in these areas are known for their high quality and their peculiar organoleptic characteristics, thanks to the particular soil and climate,” continued Pietro Campo.
Do watermelons come from China?
China has produced 63.0 million tons of yields and is cultivating 1.51 million hm2 of watermelon. China is also the world’s largest producer and consumer of watermelon (FAOSTAT, 2018).
Is there watermelon in China?
Watermelon, a fruit that is loved by people, originated from overseas and was introduced to China and developed with the time. After being introduced to China, watermelon has been cultivated and spread for a long time, and formed cultures, history and customs as the major element.
Do Chinese like watermelon?
As watermelon is cheap, delicious, and refreshing on hot days, it is the most popular fruit in China during the summer months.
Who brought watermelon America?
It was brought to America by some of the earliest European colonists, being common in Massachusetts in 1629. The Florida Indians were said to have been growing watermelons by the mid-1600’s, and Father Marquette, French explorer of the Mississippi, mentioned them in 1673 as being grown in the interior of the country.
Is watermelon grown in Greece?
Watermelons, harvested in Greece from May to September, make their way through the whole of Europe. The western part of Peloponnese is well-known for its watermelon cultivation. A constant breeze blowing in from the Ionian Sea creates an ideal climate for growing watermelons.