There have been times in the past when my father and I have attempted to grow our own, but our efforts have failed. As one of my favourite summer fruits, watermelon is now grown by professionals for me to sate my craving. Learn about the health benefits of melons and how to select the best one for your needs here.
Contents
What, Where & When
In the same way that cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, and pumpkins are all grown on vines, watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) is also a member of the squash family. This melon, which is native to Africa, was a favourite of the Egyptians 5,000 years ago. Although they were initially used as canteens, the fruit has since spread across the globe.
Over 1,200 watermelon varieties are grown in 96 countries around the world. More than half of the world’s most popular varieties are grown in the United States and Mexico alone. Fruits with seedless, yellow, or orange flesh are among the most popular. Your local farmers’ market can help you keep tabs on watermelon availability throughout the summer months: May through September. It’s impossible to miss them, and there will be a lot of them at the height of the season.
More about the types
Oval in shape, weighing 15-45 pounds on average, with medium to large brown or black seeds, seeded. “Crimson Trio” or “Millionaire” are two of the most popular seedless varieties in the United States, with average weights of 10 to 20 pounds.
A small, round fruit weighing between one and seven pounds, seeded or seedless, with flesh that is red or yellow.
The yellow-fleshed “Peace,” a hybrid variety, is particularly juicy and weighs between 10 and 30 pounds. As a side note, the world’s largest watermelon was 262 pounds. It was created by Bill Carson of Tennessee in 1990 and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records since 1998…
Nutrition Facts
In one cup of watermelon, there are 46 calories and no fat. It is, as the name suggests, primarily water-based (92 per cent to be exact). Beta-carotene and vitamin C, two potent antioxidants, are abundant in these melons. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Watermelon has about the same amount of lycopene as two medium tomatoes, even though tomatoes get all the attention. To get the most out of watermelon’s lycopene, don’t cook it, unlike tomatoes.
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What To Do With Watermelon?
There is no substitute for a cold slice on a hot day. Fruit salads with watermelon and a yoghurt dip taste just as good. Also, don’t forget salsas and sorbets, as well as smoothies and cocktails. Watermelon and cheese are two of my favourite foods. My mother-in-law always has watermelon and feta ready for me when I visit her in Israel in the summer. You can also serve them with a little lemon juice, hot sauce, and a dash of salt for an extra-special touch. The origin of this concept can be traced back to Mexico.
But did you know you can eat the seeds and the rind as well as the juicy flesh? A recipe for watermelon rind pickles can be found in the first American cookbook, which was published in 1776. Watermelon seeds are a delicacy in many countries, with roasted seeds being particularly popular in Asia.
Pick a watermelon that is firm and free of blemishes, cuts, and bruises when you go shopping. Whole melons can be stored at room temperature for up to 10 days. Refrigerate any remaining slices for up to 3 days after cutting, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other food odours.
When Is Watermelon Season Per State
| State | Watermelons in season |
|---|---|
| Alabama | June till September |
| Arizona | May till November |
| Arkansas | mid-July till September |
| California | July till November |
| Colorado | September till mid-October |
| Connecticut | August till October |
| Delaware | July till October |
| Florida | April till July and December |
| Georgia | June till September |
Use the Numbers to See the Rest of the States
Watermelons can be added to any salad, pickled, spiced, or made into the healthiest and tastiest pops. In addition, they’re fantastic with seafood. Keeping them at home is so simple, and you can keep them in a variety of different ways for a long time, that they are an easy fruit to upgrade at any time of day (even cocktail time).
It’s not easy to tell which watermelon is ripe enough. To tell if it’s safe to use, thump it and feel if the ends are soft. Take advantage of the opportunity while you still can!
Days to Harvest During Watermelon Season
Over 1,200 different varieties of watermelons exist, as previously stated. The harvest times for each of these watermelons vary. Your watermelon plants will thrive if you know when the harvest season is for the type of watermelon they are. Keeping in mind that smaller watermelons mature faster than larger ones is important
65 to 90 days after planting the seeds, your basic watermelons are ready to harvest. Also available are watermelons that range in weight from 2 to 4 pounds. Watermelons like Midget, Garden Baby, Golden Midget, and Little Baby Flower take 65 to 70 days to mature after planting.
Another group of small watermelons includes New Hampshire Midget, Sugar Baby, and Petite Sweet. This group usually reaches full maturity in 75 to 80 days. Desert Storm and Royal Majesty watermelons are also included.
Finally, there is a much larger group of watermelons. These watermelons take an average of ninety days to ripen. Watermelons such as Charleston Gray, Black Diamond, King and Queen, Navajo Sweet, and Moon and Stars are included.
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