Watermelons
- The watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable. It's part of the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.
- Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar.
- Watermelon is an ideal health food because it doesn’t contain any fat or cholesterol, is high in fiber and vitamins A & C and is a good source of potassium.
- Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals.
- Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds
- Every part of the watermelon, including the seeds and the rind is edible
- Early explorers used watermelons as canteens..
- Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries worldwide.
- In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host.
- In Israel and Egypt, the sweet taste of watermelon is often paired with the salty taste of feta cheese.
- After picking, watermelons keep best at room temperature. Cold temperatures, such as those found in a refrigerator, can make a watermelon lose its flavor and become pithy after a few days. Freezing causes a mealy, mushy texture.