Did you know that watermelon is made up of 92% water? It’s no surprise that this fruit is incredibly refreshing! People have enjoyed this juicy delight for thousands of years, with its origins traced back to Ancient Egypt.
Watermelon cultivation is believed to have begun in the Nile Valley around the second millennium B.C., and seeds were even discovered in King Tutankhamun’s tomb! On August 3, we honor this ancient berry with a celebration of juicy goodness—commonly known as National Watermelon Day.
History of National Watermelon Day
National Watermelon Day celebrates the juicy, refreshing watermelon, a fruit with a rich history that dates back to 2000 B.C. The earliest recorded watermelon harvest occurred approximately 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Archaeological findings reveal traces of watermelon and its seeds in sites from the 12th Egyptian Dynasty, including the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Additionally, ancient Egyptian inscriptions feature paintings of various watermelon types.
The sweet fruit we enjoy today is the result of numerous mutations over thousands of years of cultivation. Watermelon seeds were traded by merchants traveling through the Kalahari Desert, leading to the spread of watermelon cultivation throughout Africa. Its origins lie in Africa, from where it expanded into Mediterranean countries and other parts of Europe. By the end of the ninth century, watermelon farming became prevalent in China and across Asia.
The term “watermelon” first appeared in the English dictionary in 1615, as noted in “The Dictionary of American Food and Drink” by John Mariani. While commonly classified as a type of melon, watermelon does not belong to the genus Cucumis. Its outer rind is typically dark green with yellow stripes or spots. In the United States alone, there are over 300 varieties of watermelon, ranging in color from red to white and available in various shapes and sizes.
National Watermelon Day Activities
Make a Vodka Watermelon
Celebrate National Watermelon Day with a fun twist by creating a vodka watermelon! Since watermelons are mostly composed of water, why not replace some of it with vodka? Cut a hole in the top of the watermelon, insert a funnel, and pour in your favorite vodka. Enjoy this refreshing adult treat with friends for a boozy celebration!
Create a Watermelon Sculpture
Unleash your creativity by carving a watermelon! Just like pumpkins, watermelons can be transformed into beautiful designs. Consider crafting a watermelon rose, a playful watermelon shark, or a functional watermelon basket. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to impress your guests.
Play Suikawari (Watermelon Splitting)
Experience a unique Japanese tradition by playing Suikawari, a game that involves watermelon splitting! Similar to a piñata but without candy, players are blindfolded, spun around three times, and given a wooden stick to crack open a watermelon. Get ready for some fun and laughter as you enjoy the refreshing watermelon guts that follow!
The Perfect Summer Fruit
Watermelons are packed with water, making them an ideal thirst quencher and a quintessential summer delight! In the Kalahari Desert, where they’re known as tsammas, watermelons serve as a vital water source during the scorching summer heat. Historically, travelers would cross deserts only during good watermelon seasons.
Cancer Fighter
On National Watermelon Day, we celebrate a fruit that contributes to cancer prevention. Studies have shown that antioxidants like carotenoids and lycopene found in watermelons can help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Super Versatile Fruit
Watermelons are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. All parts of the fruit are edible, including the flesh. In many cultures, watermelon flesh is fried or pickled, while in some regions of China, watermelon seeds are dried and roasted for a nutritious snack.
Eat Guilt-Free!
Watermelon is one of the few delicious foods that you can enjoy in unlimited amounts without guilt! This makes National Watermelon Day a perfect celebration, even for those who are diet-conscious.
5 Fruity Facts About Watermelon
You Can Eat the Entire Watermelon
While watermelon rinds are often discarded, they are actually edible and packed with nutrients. Enjoy the health benefits of the entire fruit, from the juicy flesh to the nutritious rind!
Watermelons Come in Many Varieties
Did you know there are approximately 1,200 different varieties of watermelon? The four main classifications include seeded, seedless, yellow, and icebox watermelons, offering a wide range of flavors and textures to enjoy.
Watermelons Can Grow to Be Huge!
The heaviest watermelon ever recorded weighed an astonishing 350.5 pounds, grown by Chris Kent in Tennessee in 2013. This Guinness World Record showcases the impressive size that watermelons can achieve!
Watermelons Can Help Prevent Cancer
Watermelons are rich in the antioxidant lycopene, which has been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, including lung, stomach, and prostate cancer. Enjoying watermelon not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also supports your health.
Watermelons Are Grown in Different Shapes in Japan
In Japan, farmers have been cultivating cube-shaped watermelons for over 40 years by growing them in square boxes. Recently, they have perfected watermelons in various shapes, including pyramids, hearts, and even human faces, making them fun novelty items.
Why We Love National Watermelon Day
An Endless Variety of Watermelons
Did you know there are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon worldwide? They come in a spectrum of colors, including pink and orange, and vary in size and shape—from large and round to the famous cubic watermelons found in Japan.
Watermelon: Both a Fruit and a Vegetable
Watermelons blur the lines between fruit and vegetable. Technically, they are a fruit (specifically a berry) because they contain seeds for reproduction. However, they are also considered a vegetable, as they are grown from seeds and harvested like other veggies. Watermelons belong to the gourd family, making them relatives of squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins.
Guilt-Free Enjoyment
If you’re watching your diet, you can indulge in watermelon without any guilt! With a water content of 92%, this refreshing fruit not only keeps you hydrated on hot summer days but also allows you to enjoy a delicious snack without the worry of excess calories.
FAQs About National Watermelon Day
Q: When is National Watermelon Day celebrated?
A: National Watermelon Day is celebrated annually on August 3rd.
Q: What are some popular ways to enjoy watermelon?
A: Watermelon can be enjoyed fresh, blended into smoothies, made into salads, or even grilled. Creative ideas include watermelon popsicles and watermelon salads with feta cheese and mint.
Q: Are watermelon rinds edible?
A: Yes, watermelon rinds are edible and can be pickled or used in stir-fries. They are nutritious and can add a crunchy texture to various dishes.
Q: How many varieties of watermelon are there?
A: There are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon worldwide, ranging in color, size, and shape, including seeded, seedless, yellow, and icebox types.
Q: Can I grow my own watermelons?
A: Absolutely! Watermelons thrive in warm weather. Plant seeds in well-drained soil after the last frost for the best results.
Q: Is watermelon healthy?
A: Yes! Watermelon is low in calories, hydrating, and packed with vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce cancer risk.
