Watermelon Facts

Watermelons are a perennial favorite among many, with their sweet and refreshing taste. Nutritionists have appreciated the health benefits of watermelons for a long time. A fact which makes the watermelon even better is that it is fat free and low in calories, and is hence considered to be the ideal diet food.

                                                  

Here are some very interesting facts about the watermelon

• Watermelon belongs to the same family as pumpkins, cucumbers, and squashes. For the sake of classification, it qualifies as a fruit and a vegetable.

• Every part of the watermelon, including the seeds and the rind is edible.

• As watermelon comprises 92% water, early explorers found it as a useful item of food.

• Over 1200 varieties of watermelon are grown in approximately 100 countries across the world.

• Bill Carson of Arrington, Tennessee grew a 262-pound watermelon in 1990. This feat found a place in the 1998 edition of the Guinness World Book of Records

• Watermelon is a popular gift in China and Japan.

• Watermelons are ideal for health as they do not contain any fat or cholesterol, are high in fiber content and vitamins A and C, and are also a good source of potassium.