By Sara Thompson
Image credit is Susan Slater, obtained from Wikimedia Commons
Special to the Enterprise
July is often one of the hottest months of the year throughout the United States and appropriately is National Watermelon Month. One of the reasons watermelons are so refreshing is because they contain over 90% water. They are also packed with different vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and zinc. For these reasons, watermelon is a great snack for post-workout to replenish water and electrolytes.
Watermelon seeds have been found at archaeological sites in Libya dating between 4000-5000 years ago. Watermelons grow best in temperate and tropical climates, requiring temperatures of 75-degrees Fahrenheit or more to grow. The plant grows on a climbing vine and the stems can be up to 10 feet long. Melon leaves are also large, measuring between 2-8 inches long and 1-6 inches wide. Plants have both male and female flowers on each stalk and bees are their most common pollinator. The USDA recommends at least one beehive per acre, but more is better.
There are more than 1000 varieties of watermelon and can be categorized by flesh color, size, sweetness, or if they have seeds or not. Seedless watermelons were not genetically engineered but were selectively bred that way through hybridization. To help make melons easier to stack, farmers in Japan started growing them in cube shapes by putting young melons into cube shaped boxes. The melon would assume the shape of the container making them popular at the stores for their unique shapes. This has become a regular practice to make square, heart, or pyramid shaped watermelons, but other shapes can be formed. The shaped varieties can sell for nearly three times the amount of a standard, round melon.
Watermelons are often eaten right after slicing, but can also be put into fruit salads, smoothies, juices, and even be made into wine. Most people think that only the flesh of the watermelon is eatable, but the other parts can be eaten as well. The seeds can be bitter but can be roasted for a quick snack. The rind also can be eaten if cleaned properly. The rind is full of fiber and is popular for pickling, stewing, or putting in stir-fries around the world.
As the heat picks up this month, remember this tasty treat to help rehydrate you. Named for its high water content and packed with vitamins and minerals, this fruit has been enjoyed for thousands of years and continues to today.
Explorit's coming events:
• Explorit is open Fridays from 1-4pm and Saturday and Sundays from 10am-2pm. The current exhibit is “Our WILD World”. Admission is $5 per person, free for Explorit Members and those aged 2 and under.
• Spaces available for Summer Camp “Galactic Adventure” for 3rd-5th graders. Camp is July 22-26 from 9am-12pm. Visit our website for more information or to register https://www.explorit.org/camps.
• Now is a great time to donate and help Explorit continue to educate and inspire the scientists of tomorrow: https://www.explorit.org/donate
• An Explorit Membership grants the recipient free visits to Explorit’s regular public hours, discounts on events, summer camps and workshops, and gives you ASTC benefits to visit other museums throughout the world. To purchase or for more information visit https://www.explorit.org/membership or call Explorit at 530-756-0191.
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