WATERMELON: NUTRITION FACTS, HISTORY, BENEFITS
- Watermelons are a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae.
- Watermelons can be classed as both a fruit and a vegetable.
- It is a fruit as it grows from a seed, has a sweet refreshing flavour, and considered a type of melon.
- It is a vegetable as it is a member of the same family as the cucumber, pumpkin and squash.
- Watermelon may only be made up of water and sugar but is a nutrient dense food.
- It provides a high amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for a low amount of calories.
- Watermelon is available during peak summer.
- It is also harvested and cleared from fields like other vine growing vegetables.
- The refreshing quality and sweet taste help to combat the heat.
- It also provides a guilt-free, cheap dessert for kids and adults.
- There are five common types of watermelon:
- Seeded
- Seedless
- Mini (also known as personal)
- Yellow and
- Orange
- The watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
- All parts of a watermelon can be eaten, even the rind, which contains many nutrients.
- The rind can be used as a vegetable and stir-fried, stewed or pickled.
- There are more than 1200 varieties of watermelon that come in various weights, shapes, sizes and colour.
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