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A Bit Of History
Watermelon is thought to have originated in the Kalahari Desert of Africa.
The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics on the walls of their ancient buildings. Watermelons were often placed in the burial tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife.
From there, watermelons spread throughout countries along the Mediterranean Sea by way of merchant ships.
By the 10th century, watermelon found its way to China, which is now the world's number one producer of watermelons.
The 13th century found watermelon spread through the rest of Europe via the Moors.
In 1615 the word "watermelon" first appeared in the English dictionary, according to John Mariani in his book, "The Dictionary of American Food & Drink."
Southern food historian, John Egerton, believes watermelon made its way to the United States with African slaves as he states in his book, "Southern Food."
The United States currently ranks fourth in worldwide production of watermelon. Forty-four states grow watermelons with Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona consistently leading the country in production.
Watermelon has become a year-round staple in households the world over. With more countries than ever importing and exporting watermelons, it is easy to find the sweet, healthy and refreshing fruit any time of the year.
Click here for more Watermelon Fun Facts
Blushing with Pride: Watermelon is Bursting with Lycopene
Watermelon is the lycopene leader among fresh fruit and vegetables. A plant pigment found in only a few red plant foods such as tomatoes and watermelon, lycopene is thought to have powerful antioxidant capabilities and may help to prevent certain diseases. While tomatoes traditionally have been used in lycopene research because of their established lycopene levels, scientists recently discovered that watermelon have as much lycopene --or more than--that found in raw tomato. A 2-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 mg while one medium-sized tomato contains 4 mg. Studies also suggest that the bioavailability of lycopene in fresh watermelon may be comparable to that in tomato juice.
What Is Lycopene?
Lycopene is a red pigment found in plants and is part of a large class of plant compounds called carotenoids. Carotenoids are fat soluble and create yellow, orange or red colors in plants. Carotenoids are not made by humans. Lycopene is not found in high amounts in many plants. The greatest sources of lycopene in fresh fruits and vegetables are watermelon, tomato, red grapefruit and guava.
The red color found in strawberries, cherries, etc. is a water soluble pigment called anthocyanin, and is formed by a very different pathway from the carotenoids.
The primary role of carotenoids in plants is to neutralize compounds created during photosynthesis. These compounds are often hydrogen peroxide or singlet oxygen, both of which will attack and destroy cell membranes, ultimately damaging the cell. Singlet oxygen is oxygen with a higher energy charge because outer orbital electrons are spinning in opposite directions.
Humans breathe in oxygen as O2. The biological processes in the body use oxygen for reactions, frequently creating singlet oxygen as a byproduct. The singlet oxygen is very reactive (high electric charge) and therefore must be eliminated by the body before cell damage occurs. The body uses antioxidants, compounds that look for singlet oxygen and neutralizes it. Of the carotenoids, lycopene is the most effective oxygen scavenger because it can neutralize several singlet oxygen with one lycopene molecule. Other antioxidants are Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin E.
How To Choose A Watermelon
1. Look the watermelon over, choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents.
2. Lift it up - the watermelon should be heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92% water, that accounts for most of its weight.
3. Turn it over - on the underside of the watermelon there should be a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
Following these tips will help you pick the best watermelon available. Just remember, the keys to picking a great watermelon are as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Handling & Storing Watermelon
Store watermelon on the warm side
Compared to most fruits, watermelons need a more "tropical" climate - a thermometer reading of 55° F is ideal. However, whole melons will keep for 7 to 10 days at room temperature. Store them too long, and they'll lose flavor and texture.
Lower temperatures cause chill injury
After two days at 32° F, watermelons develop an off-flavor, become pitted and lose color. Freezing causes rind to break down and produces a mealy, mushy texture.
Once a melon is cut, it should be wrapped and stored at
37° - 39° F.
Removing Seeds Is A Breeze
Wash and quarter a whole melon, then cut each quarter into three or four wedges
Cut lengthwise along the seed line with a paring knife, and lift off piece.
Using a fork, scrape seeds both from the removed piece and the remaining flesh on the rind.
Use for cubes or continue with recipe.
Safe Handling Practices
According to the FDA, you should wash all fruits and vegetables including all melons in clean, running water before eating them. This is true of all fruits and vegetables, rinds or not. You should also use clean knives and cutting surfaces. Additionally, persons preparing melons, fruits, vegetables or other foodstuffs should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water prior to preparing the food for eating.
Fun & Easy Tips
If you have a traditional watermelon loving family that loves to eat whole large watermelons at picnics and barbecues, why not shake things up and bring a yellow watermelon to your next picnic. They taste just as great as a red watermelon, but they're yellow!
Try freezing watermelon juice in ice cube trays to add to lemonades and fruit punches for a flavorful addition to your drink. An easy way to do this is to put a few cups of de-seeded watermelon in a blender and mix it until smooth. You will probably want to run it through a strainer before putting it in an ice tray. Then freeze and enjoy!
An easy carving is a great way to bring attention to your food. Follow one of our easy carving instructions and it will surely be the talk of the party. We have designs for all kinds of parties - kid's birthdays, wedding and baby showers, anniversaries, holidays and just about anything else. Take a look for yourself and see how beautiful and easy it is!
For more watermelon carving ideas visit www.Watermelon.org
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