Such messiness has never hampered its popularity. Enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians over 4000 years ago, watermelon has a worldwide fan club. It is now the most popular melon (by weight) in the U.S. 34% of those in an Internet poll chose it as their favorite fruit. China is the largest producer. The U.S. is only fourth. After it was introduced to America by Spanish colonists, it was widely adopted by the Indians. Its cultivation had spread from the southeast to the Great Lakes area and along the Mississippi by the time the French exolorers arrived.
A lot of things have changed since its humble beginnings in the desert of southern Africa. Now they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors-both rind and flesh. For today's smaller families, the petite, round Icebox type is great.
Bored with plain red? Try the newer orange and yellow-fleshed ones. Can't decide? Enjoy both at the same time with Sorbet Swirl, a new variety with yellow and red swirled flesh.
Relatively new on the scene is the seedless. These are a little harder to grow than the seeded. For the seedless, you'll need a second variety for pollination. By the way, watermelon honey is delicious. It is water white, and much milder than clover or orange blossom honey.
It's a shame watermelon seeds aren't appreciated more. They are actually quite nutritious. Try them roasted, with or without salt.
It's true watermelons are 90% water. The remaining part is very nutritious. It contains lots of potassium, which you need on hot, humid days. It also has Vitamin A, C, and fiber. The red-fleshed ones contain lycopene, an anti-oxidant, which helps prevent certain cancers.
Watermelon isn't just for snacks and fruit salads. Think salsa. Think barbecue sauce. Think entrée. Of course, it makes great drinks and desserts too. Check out Chef Joe Poon's great recipes at the National Watermelon Promotion Board's website. Too hot to cook? Try Chef Poon's watermelon gazpacho. Want tips on carving watermelon? He has that too. For pickles, a special variety called citron or preserving watermelon is used.
Once, the fruits were used by explorers as canteens. Demosthenes, a Roman governor, even used a watermelon as a helmet during a battle with Philip of Macedonia. Originally, a heckler threw the melon at him during a political debate.
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