- The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred
nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
- Over 1,200 varieties of watermelons are grown
worldwide in 96 countries.
- In some Mediterranean countries, the taste of
watermelon is paired with the salty taste of feta
cheese.
- Watermelon's official name is Citrullus Lanatus of
the botanical family Curcurbitaceae. It is cousins to
cucumbers, pumpkins and squash.
- By weight, watermelon is the most-consumed melon
in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew.
- Early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
- The first cookbook published in the U.S. in 1796
contained a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
- In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the
largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the
record books (1998 ed. Guinness Book of World
Records).
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- Watermelon has no fat or cholesterol and is an
excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C and
contains fiber and potassium.
