D.Y.K that most fruits are the mature ovaries of flowers! Strawberries and pineapples are two of a few exceptions.
A plant native to sub saharan Africa and cultivated especially for the fruit (which is actually a vegetable related to squash, pumpkin and cucumber-- the cucurbit family) , the tropical watermelon, is actually a large type of berry, called a pepo of which every part, seed included is edible. (The seeds are high in zinc, magnesium and protein.)
The wild species is on the Threatened species list despite its current prestige in the food market.
Cultivation in the Nile Valley of the Motherland date back to 2000 BC or the Late Bronze Age. Seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, it was said that watermelon would nourish the deceased as they traversed the underworld. Introduced into Spain by the Moors, the plant was cultivated in Cordoba as early as 961 and Seville by 1158.
Fun Fact: The striping pattern on the watermelon is actually indicative of the number of times its flower was pollinated by bees (insects)
History tells that we long have liked our melon with salt. My grandma, would get the melon nice and cold and sit at a little round black stand, with it and a fork, from a pie tin, with the salt shaker at hands reach. Some cultures in Africa for this same salty quality it can be imagined, used Feta cheese.
African slaves are credited along with Spanish & European colonist for bringing the melon into the “New World”. The Spanish would cultivate it in Flordia in 1576. By 1650 it was being cultivated across both the Americas.
Seedless watermelons were developed 1939 by Japanese scientist. The pollen is sterile and comes by hybridizing a 22 chromosome melon with a 44 chromosome melon. These accounted for 85% of total sales in 2014 although there are over 1,200 varieties grown in the 96 countries where cultivated. (Over 300 can be found right here in America)
Watermelons high water content (92%) is good for inflammation that contributes to diabetes, asthma, atherosclerosis, arthritis and colon cancer. The fruit is also high in vitamins A and C, has rich potassium and fiber. It also helps the body use iron.
Lycopene, a powerful, antioxidant, which we hear promoted with tomatoes is actually more potent here. These antioxidant prevent things that shouldn’t be in your body (called free radicals) from demaging your cells. Another present compound, citrulline, an amino acid, improves blood flow and also plays a part in heart health
Select the best melon by looking at the spot where it sat on the ground. This ground spot should be yellow. White ground spots indicate a melon is not ripe. Also choice the heaviest one for the size you are seeking!
It seems that my people have been shamed away from all the healing foods of their mothers house. (Think the watermelon stereotype of the early 21st century)
Eat your watermelon in pride. You are loving yourself so well!
A 1909 postcard from Ullman Manufacturing of NYC.
D.Y.K a report (Food, Nutrition, and the Prevention of Cancer: a Global Perspective) found that people who eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily have a 20% (or more) reduction in their risk of cancer.” (Linked to free-radicals)
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