Moderate amounts of watermelon present no serious health risk. Excessive consumption can possibly elevate levels of certain vitamins in the body, which may cause complications. Too much vitamin C, abundant in watermelon, can cause symptoms such as diarrhea or gastrointestinal discomfort. Potassium levels are another consideration, too much might lead to complications such as hyperkalemia which causes an abnormal heart rhythm and can be dangerous.
Look for a watermelon that is firm, heavy, and symmetrical without soft spots or bruising. Tapping the outside can give you a clue as to the texture of the fruit inside. Listen for a light and almost hollow sounding thud. This indicates the water and fruit contained is intact and has a stable structure.
·
Although many people prefer not to, all
of the watermelon (including the rind) can be eaten
·
Chinese offer watermelons as gifts to a
hostess
·
Early
explorers used watermelons as canteens.
·
Early explorers used watermelons similar
to a drink bottle to hold fluids
·
Going on weight, watermelons are the
most consumed fruit in America
·
In ancient Egypt, watermelons were
placed in burial tombs to nourish the soul after they had passed
·
In Egypt and Israel it is common for
watermelon to be served with feta cheese
·
John
Egerton, Southern food historian, believes watermelons came to the U.S. with
African slaves.
·
Seedless
watermelons were first created over 50 years ago.
·
Some varieties of watermelon need 130
warm days to fully ripen
·
The
first cookbook published in the United States in 1796 contained a recipe for
watermelon rind pickles.
·
The heaviest watermelon recorded weighed
350.5 lbs and was grown in 2013
·
The novelty of a cubed watermelon began
in Japan where they would grow them in glass boxed to hold their shape
·
The scientific name for a watermelon is
‘Citrullus Lanatus’
·
The
U.S. ranks fourth in the world for watermelon production. Top watermelon
growing states include California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and Georgia.
·
The
word "watermelon" first appeared in the English dictionary in 1615.
·
There are more than 1,200 varieties of
different watermelons
·
There is evidence showing that the first
watermelon ever grown was in Egypt approximately 5,000 years ago
·
Watermelon contains 6% sugar
·
Watermelon does not contain any bad fat
or cholesterol
·
Watermelon has been known as a natural
Viagra due to its citrulline content
·
Watermelon has only about 40 calories
per cup
·
Watermelon is grown in 96 countries
·
Watermelon
is the official vegetable of Oklahoma.
·
Watermelon juice may relieve muscle
tension
·
Watermelon only began growing in China
in the 10th century and Europe in the 13th century
·
Watermelon
sweetness can be measured by a Brix scale. Most watermelons are around 9 to 10
on the Brix scale. Very sweet watermelon measure 11 to 12 on the Brix scale.
·
Watermelons are made up of 92% water
·
We
think of watermelon as a fruit because of its sweet flavor, but watermelon is
actually a vegetable. It belongs to the cucurbit family, and is related to
pumpkins, cucumbers and squash.
·
Wild watermelons are native to South
Africa
“I
have always loved watermelon and relish any opportunity to eat it, whether
plain or diced up with feta and mint and tossed with a little olive oil. It
makes me think of summertime. On set and at home, I try to always have a
container of watermelon sprinkled with cinnamon because it elevates the flavor
just a notch and makes it feel special.” (Meghan Markle)[i]
[i] Sources used:
·
“20 Fun Facts about Watermelon” By Julie Christensen
·
“32 Fun Facts About Watermelon”
by what about watermelon
·
“Watermelon: Fun
Facts” by Kid’s Choice
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