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Watermelons

Botanical Name: Citrullus vulgaris & cucumis melo

Family Name : Cucurbitaceae

No other fruit says summer like the subtly crunchy, thirst quenching watermelon. Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. The watermelon fruit, loosely considered a type of melon (although not in the genus Cucumis ), has a smooth exterior rind and a juicy, sweet, usually red interior flesh.

Origin and Distribution

Originating in Africa, watermelons were first cultivated in Egypt where testaments to their legacy were recorded in hieroglyphics painted on building walls. The fruit was held is such regard that it was placed in the tombs of many Egyptian kings. It is not surprising that watermelon played such an important role in this country, and subsequently in countries in the Mediterranean region, since water was often in short supply in these areas, and people could depend upon watermelon for its thirst-quenching properties.

Watermelons were brought to China around the 10th century and then to the Western Hemisphere shortly after the discovery of the New World. In Russia, where much of the commercial supply of watermelons is grown, there is a popular wine made from this fruit. In addition to Russia, the leading commercial growers of watermelon include China,

Food Value of watermelons

Medicinal Uses & benefits

1. They are wonderful diuretic agents. They are of great value in diseases like jaundice, typhoid and nephritis.
2. Protection against Macular Degeneration.
3. Watermelon contains high concentrations of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases.
4. Watermelon is fat free, nutritionally low in calories and considered an ideal diet food, and is high in energy, making it a great energy boost!

Selection & Storage:

Melissa's Red Watermelons are hand-selected for excellent quality. Choose firm melons with a sweet fragrance. To store, wrap cut melon sections in plastic and refrigerate. For optimum sweetness, juiciness, and texture, use within one week. Frozen melon balls will keep for a few months.