2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
August is traditionally considered the beginning of the watermelon season, which will last until the end of October, or even longer. This wonderful product is loved by both adults and children. There is a great reason to arrange watermelon weeks and fasting days
Few people do not like to enjoy juicy and sweet watermelon in the summer heat. For many, this is one of their favorite treats. Contrary to popular belief, it is correct to call watermelon not a fruit or even a berry, but a false berry. Since, unlike the usual, for example, currants or strawberries, this fruit has a thick, hard shell. Here are some more interesting facts about watermelon:
1. The crust is useful
Although watermelon rind is the preferred choice for most people, it contains many nutrients that are beneficial to health. Especially if the watermelon is grown in an environmentally friendly area, its rind can be beneficially eaten. For example, in China, it is often fried or stewed, and in Central Asia and southern Europe, it is boiled, pickled, and jam is made from it.
The skin of the fruit contains not only a lot of chlorophyll to strengthen hematopoiesis, but also the amino acid citrulline (more than in the pulp). It helps support the immune system and heart. Watermelon seeds are rich in zinc, iron, protein and fiber. They are usually dried and lightly toasted for a wonderful, healthy snack.
2. The abundance of varieties
In total, there are more than 1200 varieties of this berry in the world. All varieties of watermelons can be divided into four large groups: sowing, seedless, mini-fruits, and yellow. The smallest watermelon has a diameter of about 1.5-2cm, and the largest reaches 50-70cm in diameter and weighs up to 150-160kg. In Russia, one of the most popular varieties is Astrakhan. It has a sugar and very juicy pulp with a pleasant red tint. This variety tolerates disease well and is less vulnerable to pests. It is convenient to transport it over long distances.
In the West, seedless varieties of watermelons are very popular, the seeds of which are very small and almost invisible. For example, in the United States, sales of such watermelons on the market are 85%. The flesh of the fruit is both red and yellow, white, orange.
3. Call form
Japanese farmers have been growing cubic watermelons for a long time (for at least 40 years), packing the growing fruit in a square box in advance. Initially, this method was used so that the watermelon was conveniently stored in the refrigerator (so that it did not roll out, but lay firmly on the shelf). But now in Japan, watermelons of various shapes have become popular - hearts, pyramids and even human faces. Such fruits are not cheap and are purchased mainly as souvenirs or gifts.
4. Abundance of lycopene and water
Watermelon is 91-97% water and contains a lot of lycopene. Even more than tomatoes. This substance is a strong antioxidant carotenoid, which gives the fruits of plants a reddish color. One bowl of watermelon has 1.5 times more lycopene than a bowl of tomatoes (about 6mg versus 4mg). On a hot day, watermelons on the table will help protect the body from dehydration. However, it is not worth replacing ordinary fresh water with them. Watermelon diets are very popular as they have no fat or cholesterol at all. It is rich in fiber, potassium, manganese, vitamins A, B1 and C.
5. Pain reliever for muscles
Fitness trainers and nutritionists recommend drinking a glass of fresh watermelon juice before training and intense physical activity. More than one gram of citrulline can be found in it. It helps protect muscles from pain and stress. According to one study, in men who drank natural watermelon juice before training, muscle soreness decreased or the pain went away faster than usual. However, it is harmful to abuse it with such juice. It contains a lot of fructose, which can affect blood sugar fluctuations.
6. From gift to delicacy
Watermelon is grown in over 96 countries around the world. And each national cuisine has its own secrets of its presentation and preparation. For example, in Israel and Egypt, they like to combine the sweet taste of watermelon with the salty taste of feta cheese. In southern Russia and the Caucasus, this berry is often pickled and salted, along with ordinary vegetables. In China and Japan, watermelon is a popular gift for visiting or for significant events in a person's life.
7. Favorite product in China
China is considered the largest producer of this berry today. About 70 million tons are grown there per year. Iran and Turkey are fighting for the second place with a large margin, producing about 3-4 million tons of watermelons a year.
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