Thomas Jefferson grew watermelon at Monticello and, by the early part of our nation's history, it was being grown by Native American's from the Mississippi Valley south to Florida. It was found growing in Florida as early as 1576 and in Massachusetts by 1629. By the 17th century watermelon was widely planted throughout Europe and had become a familiar garden crop in warmer parts of the continent.Įuropean colonists as well as slave trade from Africa are thought to have introduced watermelon to the New World. ![]() The Moors introduced watermelon into the Iberian Peninsula in the 13th century and, from there, it spread throughout southern Europe. Watermelon was being cultivated in India by the 7th century, and by the 10th century it had found its way to China. The latter was an encyclopedic work covering many subjects including botany and medicine. Later, the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder described watermelon as a cooling food in his first century publication, Historia Natualis. The latter was accomplished by placing a wet, cool watermelon rind on their heads. Notable Greek physicians Hippocrates and Dioscorides praised its healing properties and used it as a diuretic as well as a treatment for children who suffered a heatstroke. The Greeks and Romans considered watermelon to have medicinal properties. Additionally, ancient manuscripts of Jewish Law record watermelon as one of the items to be tithed and set aside for distribution to priests and the poor. For example, Numbers 11:5 from the Bible references watermelon as one of the foods the Israelites longed for after leaving Egypt. Thus, watermelon was slowly transformed from a source of water to an enjoyable food.įrom Egypt, the historical trail of watermelon must be gleaned from the likes of medical books, recipe collections, and religious codices. Quite likely, it was during this period of early improvement that progress was made in developing melons with sweeter, more palatable flesh. Some tomb paintings depict an oval-shaped watermelon, indicating the round wild type must have been improved by ancient plant breeders. Both seeds and paintings of watermelon have been discovered in Egyptian tombs more than 4,000 years old. Soon thereafter, watermelon found its way to Egypt where it was first improved. Speculation exists, in addition to taking advantage of its water content, people endemic to the region roasted and ate its seeds as a source of nourishment. ![]() Unlike today's watermelon, it had very bitter flesh. Although we don't know the exact identity of this plant, we do know it was prized for its ability to store water and was used by indigenous people in the Kalahari Desert region. Watermelon's history dates back 5000 years to southern Africa where the tough, drought-tolerant ancestor of watermelon thrived. From a usage standpoint, watermelon is consumed as a fruit, but it still is classified as a vegetable.Īptly named, watermelon is 92 percent water and was first used by ancients as a source of water. The edible part of a watermelon is known as a pepo, which is a ripened ovary (fruit) with watery flesh and a hard rind. Members of this family are monecious, meaning they bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant. ![]() The latter contains a number of familiar garden vegetables including cucumber, squash, pumpkin and musk melon. Watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus) is a member of the Cucurbitaceae plant family. July is National Watermelon Month and seems like an appropriate time to explore this popular summer treat in greater detail. While not the richest source of nutrients from the garden, watermelon does package them in a delectable form. In addition to being thirst-quenching, watermelon contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytonutrients good for one's health. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat." – Mark Twainįew things are more refreshing on a hot summer day than a slice of cold watermelon. "Watermelon is the chief of this world's luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth.
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