The watermelon is a warm, long-season crop. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) belongs to cucurbitaceae family, which includes pumpkins, cucumbers and many others.
It has its origin in Africa and it is said that the Egyptians started cultivating this fruit about 5,000 years ago.
There are around 1,200 varieties of watermelon, differing in their colour, shape and size. Watermelons are more than 90% water, and that is the secret behind the name.
In ancient times, travelers used watermelons as a replacement for water. Watermelon contains a considerable amount of vitamin A and C.
According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest watermelon, weighing 262,000 kilograms, was grown by Bill Carson of Arrington, Tennessee in 1990. Nutritional values.
Watermelons contain an amino acid called citrulline, which is used by the human body to produce another amino acid known as arginine.
Arginine helps remove ammonia from the body and also to produce nitric oxide, which is helpful in lowering high blood pressure and also in preventing erectile dysfunction.
Watermelons contains vitamin B, which is helpful in instant energy production in the body. l Beta carotene contained in watermelons help boost the immune system and also helps in fighting age-related blindness.
Watermelons are a rich source of water and helpful in preventing dehydration. It also helps in reducing symptoms of asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis while the low calorie content of this fruit makes it the best choice for the diet-conscious people.
Every part of a watermelon is consumable. Apart from the edible inner flesh, you can have the roasted seeds as snacks and the skin can be pickled or stir fried. Even the thick outer skin can be used along with the flesh, while making melon juice.
