Thus, watermelon was slowly transformed from a source of water to an enjoyable food.įrom Egypt, the historical trail of watermelon must be gleaned from the likes of medical books, recipe collections, and religious codices. Quite likely, it was during this period of early improvement that progress was made in developing melons with sweeter, more palatable flesh. Some tomb paintings depict an oval-shaped watermelon, indicating the round wild type must have been improved by ancient plant breeders. Both seeds and paintings of watermelon have been discovered in Egyptian tombs more than 4,000 years old. Soon thereafter, watermelon found its way to Egypt where it was first improved. Speculation exists, in addition to taking advantage of its water content, people endemic to the region roasted and ate its seeds as a source of nourishment. Unlike today's watermelon, it had very bitter flesh. Although we don't know the exact identity of this plant, we do know it was prized for its ability to store water and was used by indigenous people in the Kalahari Desert region. Watermelon's history dates back 5000 years to southern Africa where the tough, drought-tolerant ancestor of watermelon thrived. From a usage standpoint, watermelon is consumed as a fruit, but it still is classified as a vegetable.Īptly named, watermelon is 92 percent water and was first used by ancients as a source of water. The edible part of a watermelon is known as a pepo, which is a ripened ovary (fruit) with watery flesh and a hard rind. Members of this family are monecious, meaning they bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant. The latter contains a number of familiar garden vegetables including cucumber, squash, pumpkin and musk melon. Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family. July is National Watermelon Month and seems like an appropriate time to explore this popular summer treat in greater detail. While not the richest source of nutrients from the garden, watermelon does package them in a delectable form. In addition to being thirst-quenching, watermelon contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytonutrients good for one's health. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat." – Mark Twainįew things are more refreshing on a hot summer day than a slice of cold watermelon. "Watermelon is the chief of this world's luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth.
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