Summertime often brings to mind thoughts of sunshine, swimming pools, and the refreshing taste of a cold slice of watermelon. While many people enjoy this juicy treat at picnics and barbeques, there is much more to this fruit than just its sweet flavor. Watermelons are fascinating plants with a long history and some surprising scientific facts.
Believe it or not, watermelons did not always look or taste the way they do today. They originally came from the dry regions of southern Africa. Thousands of years ago, the first wild watermelons were small, hard, and quite bitter. Ancient Egyptians began to grow them over 4,000 years ago, valuing them for their ability to store water during the hot, dry season. Over centuries, farmers carefully selected the seeds from the sweetest plants, eventually creating the large, sugary fruit we recognize today.
Watermelons belong to a plant family called Cucurbitaceae, which also includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. They grow on long vines that crawl across the ground. Because they are grown from seeds and harvested for food, most people consider them fruits. However, because they are grown in gardens alongside other vegetables, some people classify them as vegetables too! One of the most amazing things about a watermelon is that it is about 92 percent water. This high water content is why they are so heavy and why they are such a great way to stay hydrated on a hot day.
Beyond being mostly water, watermelons are packed with healthy nutrients. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which help your body stay strong and heal from injuries. They also contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives the fruit its bright red color. While the classic red-fleshed watermelon is most common, there are actually over 1,200 different varieties grown around the world. These include watermelons with yellow or orange flesh, and some that are grown without any seeds at all.
