Watermelon
Facts & Fun | Did You Know?
Facts & Fun
1. A Record-Setting Fruit: Watermelon holds the title for the heaviest fruit ever grown! The world record is an astonishing 350.5 pounds.
2. Over 1,200 Varieties: There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown worldwide, with colors ranging from classic pink to yellow, orange, and even white!
3. The Entire Watermelon Is Edible: Not just the juicy flesh but also the rind and seeds are edible. The rind can be pickled or stir-fried, and the seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack.
4. Hydration Hero: Watermelon is 92% water, making it an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.
5. A Berry in Disguise: Botanically, watermelons are classified as berries! They belong to the same family as cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.
6. Ancient Roots: Watermelons were cultivated over 5,000 years ago in northeastern Africa. Ancient Egyptians even placed them in tombs to nourish the departed in the afterlife.
7. Natural Sports Drink: Watermelon is a natural source of L-citrulline, an amino acid that can help reduce muscle soreness, making it popular among athletes.
8. Summer’s Favorite Fruit: July is National Watermelon Month in the U.S., celebrating this refreshing fruit at the peak of its season.
9. Watermelon Capital: Cordele, Georgia, claims to be the “Watermelon Capital of the World” and holds an annual watermelon festival each summer.
10. A Symbol of Good Luck: In some cultures, giving a watermelon as a gift is a symbol of luck and prosperity.
Did You Know?
1. Did You Know? Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable! It’s sweet like a fruit, but since it’s related to cucumbers and squash, it’s technically a vegetable too.
2. Did You Know? Watermelons have been to space! NASA has researched growing watermelons to provide astronauts with fresh produce on long missions.
3. Did You Know? In Japan, square watermelons are grown to save space. Farmers grow them in square molds, and they are considered a luxury item.
4. Did You Know? Seedless watermelons aren't entirely seedless; they just have tiny, soft white seeds that are easier to eat.
5. Did You Know? Eating watermelon can help protect your skin from sun damage. Lycopene, an antioxidant in watermelon, can act as a natural sunscreen from the inside out.
6. Did You Know? Watermelons can improve heart health. The high levels of potassium and magnesium help regulate blood pressure.
7. Did You Know? Watermelon rind contains citrulline, which might boost libido and enhance blood flow.
8. Did You Know? In ancient Egypt, hieroglyphics depicted watermelons, showing that they valued this fruit thousands of years ago.
Its More Then Just Taste!
Watermelon Recipes
1. Watermelon & Avocado Salad
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 ripe avocado, cubed
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumber
- A handful of arugula
- Drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze
- Directions:
- Gently toss watermelon, avocado, cucumber, and arugula in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Serve chilled.
2. Grilled Watermelon with Lime and Sea Salt
- Ingredients:
- Watermelon slices, cut into 1-inch thick rounds
- Fresh lime juice
- Sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of chili powder (optional)
- Directions:
- Grill watermelon slices for 2-3 minutes per side until grill marks appear. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top, sprinkle with salt and chili powder, and enjoy warm.
3. Watermelon Gazpacho
- Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Directions:
- Blend watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and vinegar until smooth. Chill for at least an hour, garnish with basil, and serve cold.
Alcoholic Watermelon Recipes
1. Watermelon Margarita
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh watermelon juice (blend and strain fresh watermelon)
- 1.5 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Salt and lime wedge for garnish
- Directions:
- Rim a glass with salt. In a shaker, combine watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. Shake well, pour over ice, and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Spiked Watermelon Lemonade
- Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
- 1 cup fresh lemonade
- 1 oz vodka (or gin for a twist)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Directions:
- Muddle watermelon in a shaker, then add lemonade and vodka. Shake, pour over ice, and garnish with fresh mint.
3. Watermelon Mojito
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz white rum
- Fresh mint leaves
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup watermelon, cubed
- 1 oz club soda
- Directions:
- Muddle mint and sugar in a glass, then add watermelon and rum. Stir, top with club soda, and garnish with extra mint leaves.
