Watermelon Facts - Your Online Source for Information on Watermelons
You Can Learn a Lot From These Watermelon Facts
• One of the watermelon facts in the Guinness Book of World Records is that the largest watermelon ever grown weighed 262 pounds. It was grown by Bill Carson of Tennessee in 1990.
• Over ninety percent of a watermelon is water. The rest is sugar.
• There are 96 countries that produce watermelons. Most of them are in warm climates.
• The amount of watermelon eaten each year in the United States equals seventeen pounds per person.
• Watermelon facts determine which countries are the highest watermelon producers. In order of highest to lowest they are: China--63 million tons, Turkey--3.4 million tons, Iran--3.3 million tons, Brazil--1.9 million tons, and the United States--1.9 million tons.
• The first watermelons were grown over five thousand years ago in Egypt. They drew pictures of watermelon harvesting on walls.
• The world record for watermelon eating is held by Richard LeFevre. He consumed 11-½
pounds of watermelon in fifteen minutes.
• There are 1200 different varieties of watermelon.
• The first cookbook ever produced in the United States had a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
• A watermelon is in the same family as cantaloupe, pumpkin and squash.
• A watermelon has no fat, no cholesterol, plus many vitamins and minerals.
• The Watermelon Capital of the world is Cordele, Georgia.
• The first seedless watermelon was developed in 1939. Every year more and more seedless varieties are being grown.
• The biggest watermelon producers in the United States are Florida, Texas, Colorado, Delaware, Michigan, Iowa and Indiana.
• In Mediterranean countries, watermelon is eaten with feta cheese.
• The early explorers would use a watermelon as a canteen.
• In Japan, square watermelons are grown. They cost approximately $83 apiece.
• Watermelon is regularly added to fruit salad.
• Citrullis lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon.
• In many countries watermelon is used in soup.
• In Asia, roasted watermelon seeds are a popular snack food. The seeds are also ground up and used in making bread and cereal.
• A watermelon can range in weight from one to thirty-five pounds.
• Watermelon facts indicate that Mexico, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Spain and France all grow large amounts of watermelon.
• An anti-oxidant named lycopene is present in watermelon and can help prevent several kinds of cancer.
• Most of the time a watermelon is pink inside and has brown or black seeds. There are also several varieties that are yellow.
• If you start with watermelon, then add salt, black pepper and onions, you will have a great summer salad.
• Watermelon is one healthy food that is easy to get kids to eat.
• In southern states, watermelon is often marinated or candied.
• Watermelon can be stored in a refrigerator for up to a week and retains all of its nutrients.