National Watermelon Day
Hydrating, sweet, and cold, watermelons taste like backyard barbecues and hot summer days. Dig into a slice, make a smoothie, or put together a fruit salad.
With a name like watermelon, one would expect it to be juicy, scrumptious and amazing.
The watermelon meets, and in every case, exceeds that very exclamation.
The presence of so much water makes this melon an impressive addition to the fruit family. Here it comes, the carefully procured but wonderfully amazing, National Watermelon Day!
How to Celebrate National Watermelon Day
Well, eating the watermelon straight up is a great place to start. A fruit salad can compliment the watermelon very well, as can a little bit of sugar on top.
But why end there? Square off the fruit and frost the melon with a liberal coating of whipped cream, sprinkle on other assorted berries and you have a cake best served cold. Or if one cut the rind in half, and hollowed out all the watermelon leaving only the rind, it would make a great cup for any summer beverage.
Serve some cold watermelon sliced lengthwise with some grilled eggplant and zucchini for a great summer barbecue flavor many do not expect.
Yet the watermelon can be put in your blender, and pour them into molds to form watermelon popsicles. The choices and variance in what this fruit can be used for are so immense, listing them all here would be crazy. Instead, find a way to work it into things that it would compliment, like light meals, or ways to use if differently!
But that sweet taste of watermelon on the rind may just be one of the best ways to share it this National Watermelon Day. Cut up the melon, plate it up, add a little salt or sugar if that is your preference, and enjoy the delight of sweetness this summer.
Learn About National Watermelon Day
Well, the concept behind National Watermelon Day is a very simple one; it is all about celebrating this tasty and delicious fruit.
Watermelon is a type of fruit that is enjoyed all around the world. Not only does it taste delicious, but it offers a lot of nutritional benefits as well, so you don’t need to feel guilty about enjoying as much watermelon as you want, which is always a plus!
There are a lot of different benefits that are associated with eating watermelon. This includes the fact that it is a good way of keeping the body hydrated, which is extremely beneficial for those of you out there who do not like drinking water.
The high water content in watermelons means you’re going to get a good dose of water every time that you consume this fruit. In fact, did you know that watermelon is 92 percent water? What’s even better is that a high water content helps you to feel full.
Therefore, you can eat watermelon and you won’t feel hungry afterwards. The combination of fiber and water that is in this fruti means you get a good volume of food without a lot of calories at all.
Another benefit associated with watermelon is all of the beneficial plant compounds and nutrients that it contains.
Watermelon is one of the lowest fruits in terms of calories, yet it is one of the best in terms of the nutrients that it delivers.
It provides three percent of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake) in terms of vitamins B6, B5, and B1. It also offers four percent of your RDI of magnesium, as well as five percent of your RDI of potassium, 18 percent of your RDI of vitamin a, and 21 percent of your RDI of Vitamin C.
The benefits do not end there either. It has also been proven that watermelon is beneficial when it comes to your hair and your skin.
This is because of the Vitamin C and A that are included in watermelons. Vitamin C helps to create collagen, which is the protein that keeps your hair strong and your skin supple.
Vitamin A is also critical in terms of healthy skin, as it assists with repairing skin cells and creating them. Your skin can look flaky and dry if you do not have enough Vitamin A.
Watermelon has also proven to be beneficial in terms of your digestion. Watermelon contains a lot of water, as well as a small amount of fiber, and both of these are vital in terms of healthy digestion.
Water helps to keep your digestive tract moving in an effective manner while fiber can provide bulk for your stool. If you eat fruits that are rich in both fiber and water, it can be very beneficial in terms of promoting healthy and normal bowel movements.
This is also important in ensuring that you feel comfortable and you don’t feel blocked up throughout the day.
History of National Watermelon Day
Whether it is the more than 90% water in the fruit, or the sweet flavor that explodes in your mouth with every bite, this fruit lives up to a crowned ‘favorite fruit’ of children the world over.
That hard rind around the edge gives a smooth texture, easy to hold by even the youngest of hands, the soft inner red fruit easy to eat by young and old alike, and with a juicy burst of flavor, it is liked by most that do eat it.
Even the seeds are an enjoyment, spitting them has become contests between family, friends and neighbors. But even the seeds do not detract from this wondrous fruit, merely giving us a reason to open our mouths for yet another bite of the succulent melon.
National Watermelon Day FAQs
How were watermelons used in ancient Chinese medicine?
Ancient Chinese medicine valued watermelons for their cooling properties.
Healers prescribed watermelon juice to reduce fever and dehydration. Even today, watermelon-based remedies are used in traditional practices to treat heatstroke during sweltering summers.
What is the origin of the word “watermelon”?
The term “watermelon” comes from Old English, blending “water” and “melon,” with “melon” derived from the Greek word “mēlon.”
Early European explorers adopted the name as they spread the fruit across continents, emphasizing its high water content.
How does the color of watermelon flesh vary across regions?
While red is most common, regions like Southeast Asia grow yellow and orange varieties.
Some rare watermelons in Africa even have white flesh. Each type is prized for distinct flavors, with yellow being sweeter and nuttier than red.
Why is watermelon a symbol of summer in Japan?
In Japan, watermelons symbolize joy and relaxation. The beach game “Suikawari” involves blindfolded players smashing watermelons. This tradition adds festive fun to summer gatherings, with the broken fruit shared afterward.
Are there any superstitions tied to watermelon farming?
In some African cultures, it’s believed that singing to watermelon plants helps them grow sweeter. Farmers in specific regions also avoid harvesting on certain days, fearing it could result in bitter fruit.
What role do watermelons play in space research?
Scientists study watermelon seeds in space to understand plant growth in microgravity.
The fruit’s resilience to environmental changes makes it ideal for experiments on sustainable food production for future space missions.
How did square watermelons gain popularity beyond Japan?
Initially a novelty in Japan, square watermelons now fascinate people globally. They’re sold as luxury gifts in markets from Dubai to New York, despite their high price and ornamental purpose.
What’s the weirdest way watermelons have been celebrated?
In South Korea, artists carve watermelons into intricate sculptures for festivals. These carvings can resemble dragons, temples, or animals, showcasing both artistic talent and the fruit’s cultural value.
Did watermelons inspire any unusual culinary creations?
Watermelon steak is a trendy dish where the fruit is grilled, giving it a smoky flavor and meaty texture.
This innovative preparation has gained popularity in vegan and fine dining circles for its unique taste and presentation.
How do watermelons help wildlife in deserts?
In the Kalahari Desert, watermelons are vital for survival. Animals like elephants and antelope rely on the wild variety, known as tsamma melons, for hydration during dry seasons when water sources are scarce.
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