"History of Watermelon: from ancient times to the present day"

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Classified as a berry, its coloring ranges from pale yellow to dark green, often with stripes or spots. The flesh of a watermelon can be bright pink, red, white, or yellow. Originally, watermelon flesh was yellow, and red flesh was obtained by breeders.

Magnificent Fruit!

Scientists believe that the Kalahari Desert in South Africa is the birthplace of watermelon. Wild watermelons with a bitter taste and the size comparable to a tennis ball can still be found in this region.

Images and seeds of watermelons were found in Egyptian tombs dating back over 4000 years. Watermelons are also mentioned in ancient Egyptian myths and recipes. In ancient Rome, watermelons were used to make honey.

In China, watermelons have been known since the 10th century and are still used in medicine, as it is believed that they help to expel diseases from the body.

According to one version, watermelons were brought to Russia by Persians, and their name comes from the Persian word "karpuz". Tsar Peter the Great was so fond of the taste of watermelons that he organized fireworks, and a sign was installed in the city square stating "An excellent fruit indeed!". Catherine II sent watermelons from Astrakhan and Tsaritsyn to King Frederick II of Prussia, writing: "Great and small deeds often have the same origin, and my watermelons stem from the same impulse as our plan for an alliance." This watermelon mission was successful, and the countries concluded a Russo-Prussian alliance.

There is a museum in Russia dedicated to watermelon. It is located in the city of Kamiyzak in the Astrakhan region, where watermelon is considered a symbol of the region. In the museum, you can see tools for growing watermelons from different eras and try different varieties at tasting stations.

Watermelon symbolizes fertility and a rich harvest due to its numerous seeds. It is depicted on the coats of arms of several cities, including Paiño (Chile) and Buenavista (Colombia).

The Kazakh people had a custom related to watermelon called "svody". It was a visit by the groom and his relatives to the bride's house, where wedding arrangements were discussed. If everything went well, everyone gathered at the table. If something was unsatisfactory, out came... a watermelon. The groom's family understood this as a rejection and left the house "without having tasted the salt."

Health Benefits of Watermelon and Its Culinary Use

Watermelons are not only a delicious but also a nutritious treat. They consist of over 90% water and contain about 6% sugar. Thus, they are low in calories and rich in nutrients.

Watermelons are rich in vitamins A and C and contain a powerful antioxidant - lycopene. They also contain salts of iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which have a positive effect on the hematopoietic, digestive, cardiovascular systems, and endocrine glands.

Watermelons have diuretic and choleretic effects, help prevent the formation of gallstones, contribute to lowering cholesterol levels, regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure.

And most importantly, watermelons contribute to maintaining a good mood!

Watermelons can be consumed fresh or used to prepare various dishes. They are ideal for fruit salads, ice cream, and beverages. Watermelon nectar, "watermelon honey," is made from watermelons, and desserts, jams, candied fruit, and marinades are prepared.

Moreover, watermelon flesh can be used to make sandwiches by using it instead of bread and combining it with other ingredients.

Watermelon Records

Watermelons are famous for their records. In 2013, American Chris Kent grew a watermelon weighing 159 kg, which was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records.

At a festival of melon crops held in Russia, an Astrakhan watermelon weighing 70.5 kg, grown by farmer Kamil Mamedov, was presented.

Iranian professor Ashkan Rohollah Doshmanziari managed to stack four watermelons vertically and enter the Guinness Book of Records.

American watermelon lover Clive Cooper creates sculptures from watermelons, being a true carving artist.

Popular Watermelon Varieties and Quality Control

Watermelons are popular worldwide, and there are over 1200 varieties. In Japan, it is customary to grow unusual shapes of watermelons, such as square or pyramidal.

In the Russian market, Astrakhan watermelons are the most popular. They are distinguished by their perfect shape, large seeds, and juicy flesh.

Among other popular varieties are "Ogonek," "Sugar Baby," "Lunar," and many others.

When buying watermelon, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the product. Suppliers should provide documents confirming the safety and quality of the product.

Research and quality control of watermelons play a crucial role. They allow for the detection of pesticide and nitrate content. This is important for the safe consumption of watermelons.

How to Choose a Watermelon: Truths and Myths

Experts discuss common myths and misconceptions about watermelons and provide recommendations on how to choose them.

The level of stripeiness and the shape of the watermelon do not affect its quality.

There are no differences between "male" and "female" watermelons. All watermelon fruits are female, and male flowers do not produce fruit.

The yellow spot on the side of the watermelon only indicates its cultivation in open ground, making it more nutritious and tasty.

It is important to consume watermelon flesh in moderation, considering its sugar content and potential toxicity. It is recommended to buy watermelons from reliable suppliers who can provide quality and safety certificates.

One way to check the ripeness of a watermelon is to tap on it and listen to the sound. A hollow sound indicates the full ripeness of the watermelon, while a dull sound indicates insufficient ripeness.

The watermelon tail should be dry, and its rind should be intact.

You can also test watermelons by placing them in water: a ripe watermelon will float, while an unripe one will sink.

The size of a watermelon is not an indicator of its taste quality.

It is important to consider the nitrate and nitrogen content in watermelons to avoid excessive consumption. It