Watermelon Facts
Summertime means it's time for watermelon! Facts say it's tasty and good for you!
• In case you needed another reason to look forward to summer, watermelon facts tell you that although you can get watermelons year-round now, they are at their tastiest and sweetest in the summer.
• Watermelons are related to pumpkins, squash and cantaloupes, which also grow on ground-level vines. You can find watermelons in all shapes and sizes, but generally their weight is anywhere from several pounds to higher than ninety pounds.
• Even though only forty-seven percent of United States residents like in suburban areas, they consume the most watermelon, facts say. Those who live in rural areas come in second.
• There are more than twelve hundred varieties of watermelons, and they are grown in almost one hundred countries around the world. Mexico is the country we get the most watermelons from, followed by Costa Rica and Guatemala.
• As its name would imply, watermelon facts confirm that the fruit is almost ninety-two percent water, which gives its fruit a subtly crumbly texture, and makes it a favorite fruit for quenching your thirst.
• Watermelon cultivation hit almost four billion pounds in 2005, and experts believe the increase in popularity is due mainly to the smaller, seedless varieties which are seen almost everywhere in the United States, as well as better selling techniques (pre-cut, pre-packaged).
• Watermelons have about 25% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C, as well as Vitamins A, B6 and B1, and potassium and magnesium.
• Watermelons have antioxidants and lycopene, and watermelon facts state that men who drink the most green tea with watermelon in it, had an 84% less chance of prostate cancer. Watermelon also helps your body to produce arginine, which your body uses to prevent erectile dysfunction, lower your blood pressure and improve your insulin sensitivity.
• While you are used to a deep pink-red color with your watermelons, there are, watermelon facts confirm, varieties that feature white, yellow or orange flesh. Even though watermelons normally have black, brown or white seeds, there are seedless varieties now, which is what you will see the most in the Midwest.
• Some quick watermelon snack recipes: You can puree cantaloupe, kiwi and watermelon and swirl in some yogurt. This makes a cold fruit “soup” that is tasty and refreshing.
• Watermelon rind can be candied, pickled or marinated. This is a familiar treat in South America.
• You can mix watermelon with salt and pepper and thin-sliced red onion, to make a super summer salad. And watermelon really wakes up a fruit salad. If you make the fruit salad a few days ahead of time, you can keep it in the refrigerator to help it maintain freshness and retain nutrients.