KJFM NEWS — Garden Talk is produced monthly at the Adair County University of Missouri Extension Center in Kirksville, Mo.

Few things are more refreshing on a hot summer day than a slice of cold watermelon. In addition to being thirst-quenching, watermelon contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytonutrients good for one’s health. While not the richest source of nutrients from the garden, watermelon does package them in a delectable form. The edible part of a watermelon is known as a pepo, which is a ripened ovary (fruit) with watery flesh and a hard rind. From a usage standpoint, watermelon is consumed as a fruit, but is classified as a vegetable.

Aptly named, watermelon is 92 percent water and was first used by ancients as a source of water. Watermelon’s history dates back 5000 years to southern Africa where the tough, drought-tolerant ancestor of watermelon thrived. 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. Unlike today’s watermelon, it had very bitter flesh. 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.

It was found growing in Florida as early as 1576 and in Massachusetts by 1629. Watermelon improvement via selection (saving the seeds of superior melons) began almost as soon as the crop was cultivated. However, it was during the 20th century that significant progress was made in the United States where the USDA funded a watermelon breeding project at its Charleston, SC facility. One product of this research was a large, oblong light green melon that locally became known as “the grey melon from Charleston.” Nearly 70 years later, ‘Charleston Grey’ still is a widely planted variety known for its high yields, disease resistance and table quality.

Watermelons are considered ready for harvest when their “belly patch” (portion of the rind that rests on the ground) turns from white to creamy yellow. Another indicator of ripeness is when the tendril located across from where the melon is attached to the vine turns from green to brown. Once harvested, watermelons can be stored at room temperature for about one week, or in refrigerated storage for two to three weeks.

Watermelon trivia:

• The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred in Egypt nearly 5000 years ago.
• Because of its great water content, early explorers used watermelons as canteens.
• The first cookbook published in the United States in 1796 contains a recipe for pickled watermelon rinds.
• According to Guinness World Records, the world’s heaviest watermelon ever produced weighed 350.5 pounds and was grown in Sevierville, Tennessee.
• In Japan, a technique for growing square watermelons has been perfected. There, square melons sell for between $75 and $100 (U.S. dollars) each.
• Over 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown across 96 countries worldwide.
• China is 1st in worldwide watermelon production, while the United States ranks 7th.
• In the United States, more than $500 million worth of watermelon commercially every year, with Georgia growing the most. Missouri ranks 7th in production.
• Contrary to popular belief, swallowing watermelon seeds is not harmful and they do not increase the risk of developing appendicitis.
• The world record for watermelon seed spitting is an astounding 75 feet 2 inches and was set in 1995 at a festival in Georgetown, Texas.
• “Watermelon is the chief of this world’s luxuries, king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth. When one has tasted it, he knows what the angels eat.” – Mark Twain

Source: Linda Geist, writer; Dr. David Trinklein, author.