50 Things You Didn’t Know About Watermelons

1. Ancient Origins: Watermelons are believed to have originated in the deserts of southern Africa, where they still grow wild today.

2. Egyptian History: Watermelons were cultivated in ancient Egypt, with seeds and depictions found in tombs dating back over 4,000 years.

3. Global Spread: Watermelons spread from Africa to the Mediterranean region and were then brought to Europe and the Americas by European colonists and African slaves.

4. Botanical Classification: Despite being commonly considered a fruit, watermelons are botanically classified as a type of berry known as a pepo.

5. Water Content: Watermelons are composed of about 92% water, making them an excellent source of hydration.

6. Varieties: There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown worldwide, including seedless, mini, yellow, and orange-fleshed types.

7. Seedless Watermelons: Seedless watermelons are not genetically modified. They are created through a hybridization process that produces sterile seeds.

8. Largest Producer: China is the largest producer of watermelons, accounting for over 60% of global production.

9. Nutritional Benefits: Watermelons are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and they contain antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene.

10. Low in Calories: A cup of diced watermelon contains only about 46 calories, making it a low-calorie snack option.

11. Lycopene: Watermelons are one of the best sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that gives the fruit its red color and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.

12. Citrulline: Watermelons contain citrulline, an amino acid that may improve blood flow and reduce muscle soreness.

13. Watermelon Capital: Cordele, Georgia, is known as the "Watermelon Capital of the World."

14. World Record: The heaviest watermelon on record weighed 350.5 pounds (159 kg) and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee, in 2013.

15. Festival Celebrations: Watermelon festivals are held in various parts of the world, celebrating the fruit with activities like seed spitting contests and watermelon-themed parades.

16. Seed Spitting Record: The world record for watermelon seed spitting is 75 feet 2 inches, set by Lee Wheelis in 1989.

17. Watermelon Rind: The rind of the watermelon is edible and can be pickled, stir-fried, or used in salads.

18. Historical Medicine: In ancient times, watermelons were used as a natural canteen by travelers crossing deserts due to their high water content.

19. Sweet Treat: In Japan, square watermelons are grown in boxes to achieve their unique shape. They are often used as decorative items and can be quite expensive.

20. Cultural Symbol: In some cultures, watermelons are symbols of summer, prosperity, and good health.

21. Hydration Benefits: Eating watermelon can help prevent dehydration, especially in hot weather, due to its high water content.

22. Versatile Ingredient: Watermelon can be used in various culinary dishes, including salads, salsas, smoothies, and even grilled as a savory treat.

23. Ancient Tombs: Pharaohs of ancient Egypt were buried with watermelons to nourish them in the afterlife.

24. Watermelon Day: National Watermelon Day is celebrated on August 3rd each year in the United States.

25. Seed Myths: Despite the myth, swallowing watermelon seeds will not cause a watermelon to grow in your stomach.

26. Watermelon Art: In some cultures, watermelons are carved into intricate designs for decorative purposes at festivals and celebrations.

27. Bee Pollination: Watermelon plants rely on bee pollination to produce fruit. Without bees, watermelon production would significantly decrease.

28. Companion Planting: Watermelons grow well with certain companion plants like corn, beans, and sunflowers, which can help deter pests.

29. Historical Treat: Watermelons were a popular treat among Native American tribes, who cultivated them long before European settlers arrived.

30. Astronaut Food: Watermelon seeds were taken into space by astronauts on NASA's Apollo missions to study how they would germinate in microgravity.

31. World Consumption: Watermelon is one of the most consumed fruits in the world, enjoyed in nearly every country.

32. Cooling Effect: Due to their high water content, eating watermelon can have a cooling effect on the body, which is why they are popular in hot climates.

33. Watermelon Wine: Some regions produce watermelon wine, a unique and refreshing beverage made from fermented watermelon juice.

34. Anti-inflammatory: The antioxidants in watermelon, such as lycopene and vitamin C, have anti-inflammatory properties.

35. Salty-Sweet Combo: In some cultures, watermelon is sprinkled with salt or paired with feta cheese to enhance its natural sweetness.

36. Smoothie Staple: Watermelon is a popular ingredient in smoothies due to its refreshing taste and hydrating properties.

37. Watermelon Seeds: Watermelon seeds are edible and can be roasted and salted for a crunchy snack.

38. Bodybuilding Aid: Bodybuilders sometimes eat watermelon due to its hydrating properties and the amino acid citrulline, which may aid in muscle recovery.

39. Medicinal Uses: Traditional medicine practices in Africa and Asia have used watermelon seeds and rind for their supposed health benefits.

40. Summer Snack: Watermelon is a classic summer snack, often enjoyed at picnics, barbecues, and beach outings.

41. Flowering Plant: Watermelon plants produce yellow flowers before the fruit begins to develop.

42. Harvest Time: Watermelons are typically ready to harvest 80-90 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

43. Seedless Myth: Seedless watermelons are not entirely seedless. They usually contain small, soft, white seeds that are edible.

44. Cooling Soup: In some cultures, watermelon is used to make cold soups, a refreshing dish in hot weather.

45. Cosmetic Use: Watermelon extract is used in some skincare products for its hydrating and antioxidant properties.

46. Growth Regions: Watermelons are grown in more than 96 countries around the world, with the United States, Turkey, and Brazil being major producers.

47. Largest Crop: In the U.S., watermelons are grown in 44 states, with Georgia, Florida, Texas, and California producing the most.

48. Detoxifying: Some detox diets include watermelon due to its hydrating and diuretic properties.

49. Watermelon Sugar: The novel "Watermelon Sugar" by Richard Brautigan and the song by Harry Styles were inspired by the fruit’s sweetness and cultural significance.

50. Ancient Remedies: In ancient times, watermelons were used as remedies for heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses due to their hydrating and cooling effects.