The Wondrous Watermelon
Fun and nutritional facts and ways to prepare them
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
August 3, 2021
National Watermelon Day is August 3rd. To celebrate the juicy fruit (and debatable vegetable), here’s what you need to know about watermelons, from nutrition facts to recipes.
Fun Facts
The first recorded watermelon harvest was about 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelons, and China is the #1 producer.
Watermelons are aptly named because they are made up of about 92% water.
The Guinness World Records for heaviest watermelon was grown in the United States by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2013. The watermelon weighed 350.5 pounds.
You can eat a whole watermelon, including the seeds and rind, which people in many countries do.
Japan was the first to grow square watermelons by planting them in glass boxes which encourage the cube shape. However, their unique shape makes them a little more expensive, with a price tag of up to about $100.
Health Benefits
Since they are cholesterol-free, fat-free, and sodium-free, watermelons are a smart snack. Containing just 80 calories per serving and a high concentration of water, watermelon can help you feel full as well as hydrate you.
They are also packed with nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins C, A, B1, B5, and B6. Watermelon also contains antioxidants, including carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E, which may help lower inflammation and provide potential anti-cancer effects. Studies suggest that lycopene may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure too. Watermelon provides about 12.7 grams of lycopene per 2 cup serving.
Things to Make with Watermelon
Sliced watermelon is delicious on its own, but it’s always fun to try new recipes. You can make watermelon ice pops in the summer by freezing them on a stick in the freezer. Watermelon salsa is a fresh take on the dip. Try one of our favorite summer salads, arugula with watermelon and feta, a watermelon gazpacho, or an extra refreshing cocktail such as a watermelon margarita. You can also season and bake the seeds and the rind of a watermelon.