The History of Watermelon

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 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.

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.

Fun Facts

• The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.

• Over 1,200 varieties of watermelons are grown worldwide in 96 countries.

• Watermelon in 92% water.

• Watermelon's official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Curcurbitaceae. It is cousins to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.

• By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.

• Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.

• The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1776 contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.

• In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the record books (1998 ed. Guinness Book of World Records).

Farm Grown

Farmers generally grow watermelon in rows, 8-12 feet apart, in raised beds 4-12 inches high composed of fertilized sand or sandy loam.

Tiny watermelon plants are implanted in the beds. Honeybees must pollinate the yellow watermelon blossom. In a month, a vine may spread to as much as 6-8 feet. In 2 months, the vine shows its first watermelons and the crop is ready to harvest within 3 months.

The rind of a watermelon is not as tough as it looks, so it is still handpicked. Watermelon pickers look for a pale or buttery yellow spot on the bottom, indicating ripeness.

Pick a Good Watermelon

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Look the watermelon over.
   You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
   

2. Lift it up.
   The watermelon should be heavy for it's size. Watermelon is 92% water, most of the weight is water.
   

3. Turn it over.
   The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
    

Visit the rest of our Watermelon Feature
Watermelon Serves Up Medially Important Amino Acid       Lycopene Leader
Vitamins & Minerals          Watermelon History & Fun Facts    
Watermelon Recipes & Storage & Choosing Tips   
Watermelon Carving & Instructions         Games for Kids

All photos and text provided by the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
For more information, recipes and ideas, please visit them at http://www.watermelon.org