National Watermelon Day on August 3, 2023, invites you to enjoy the essence of summer by relishing the hydrating, immune-boosting, and versatile qualities of this delightful fruit, be it in the form of sweet slices, grilled treats, refreshing juices, or delightful salads.
National Watermelon Day 2023: History
The delicious fruit we enjoy today, watermelon, has a rich history of cultivation and evolution spanning over a thousand years. Its journey began in Africa, where watermelon seeds were sold to traders passing through the Kalahari Desert. From there, watermelon farming spread across Africa and eventually reached Mediterranean regions and Europe. By the end of the ninth century, it became prevalent in China and other parts of Asia.
According to John Mariani's "The Dictionary of American Food and Drink," the term "watermelon" first appeared in the English dictionary in 1615. Despite being categorized as a type of melon, watermelon does not belong to the Cucumis genus. Characterized by a dark green rind with yellow stripes or dots, watermelons come in more than 300 varieties in the United States, exhibiting a range of colours, from red to white, and varying in shapes and sizes.
National Watermelon Day 2023: Interesting Facts
-
Watermelons exhibit a wide range of varieties, with approximately 1200 distinct types known. However, they can be broadly classified into four primary classes: seeded, seedless, yellow, and icebox.
-
Watermelons have the potential to reach enormous sizes when cultivated under optimal conditions. A remarkable example is Chris Kent's achievement in 2013 when he set the Guinness World Record by growing a 350.5-pound watermelon in Tennessee.
-
Watermelons possess valuable health benefits due to their rich content of the antioxidant lycopene. Studies have shown that consuming watermelons can reduce the likelihood of developing lung, stomach, and prostate cancer.
National Watermelon Day 2023: Exciting Things to Do
-
Experiment with a Vodka- Infused Watermelon: To add a fun twist to your watermelon, consider making a vodka-infused watermelon. By cutting a hole in the watermelon and using a funnel, you can pour in some vodka, creating a refreshing and boozy treat for a party with your friends. Just remember to enjoy it responsibly!
-
Get Creative with Watermelon Sculptures- Like pumpkins, watermelons can be carved into impressive sculptures. Unleash your creativity by carving a watermelon rose, a watermelon shark, or even a watermelon basket. The possibilities for artistic expression are limitless with this juicy canvas.
-
Try Suikawari (Watermelon Splitting Game)- In Japan, watermelon splitting, known as Suikawari, is a traditional and entertaining game. Blindfolded players are spun around three times and then handed a wooden stick to attempt to split open a watermelon. Instead of candies and paper mache, you'll experience the refreshing splash of watermelon as you play this exciting and amusing game.
