Watermelon: A Summertime Staple
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a popular fruit grown and enjoyed all over the globe. There are over 1,000 different types of watermelon, each with its own unique characteristics.
This article will explore the various watermelon species, delving into their history, cultivation, varieties, and uses. From scientific classification and nutritional value to cultural symbolism, we’ll cover a wide range of topics.
Watermelons have been an important part of human history, especially in areas where water is scarce. Understanding the different watermelon species is vital for agriculture, horticulture, and even understanding the history of food itself.
Taxonomy and Systematics
Let’s delve into how watermelons are classified and how they relate to other plants.
Scientific Classification
- Genus Citrullus
- Watermelons belong to the genus Citrullus, which is part of the Cucurbitaceae family.
- Other melons, including the citron melon, are also members of this group.
- Species Citrullus lanatus
- The watermelon we cultivate and eat is known as Citrullus lanatus.
Systematics and Phylogeny
Scientists are always learning more about the origin and evolution of watermelons. Here are a few key points:
- Kordofan Melon
- The Kordofan melon, which grows in Sudan, is a close relative to modern watermelons.
- Phylogenetic analysis helps scientists map out the origin and evolutionary path of watermelons.
- Genetic Studies
- Chromosome-level genome sequencing is helping us understand how watermelons were domesticated.
- Research has traced 6,000-year-old watermelon seeds back to Egusi seeds in Nigeria.
Watermelon: A History
Ancient Origins
We know that watermelons have been around for a very long time. Archaeologists have found wild watermelon seeds in Libya that date back to 3500 BC! This suggests that humans were using watermelons long before they were the sweet, juicy fruits we know today. In fact, it’s likely that these early watermelons had bitter flesh.
Domestication
The origin of the sweet dessert watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is still a mystery that scientists are trying to solve. The process of domestication probably involved carefully selecting watermelons with desirable traits, like sweetness and color.
Spread and Cultivation
From their origins in Africa, watermelons spread to other parts of the world. Historical records show that watermelons were cultivated in regions like Córdoba and Seville, Spain, centuries ago.
What do watermelons look like and how are they grown?
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of watermelon plants and how they’re cultivated.
Plant Characteristics
Watermelons are generally sprawling vines, which is why they tend to take up so much room in a garden. If you have a smaller garden, you may want to consider a bush variety, which takes up less space.
The watermelon fruit is technically a “pepo,” which means it’s a berry with a hard rind. And watermelons can vary widely in weight, from a dainty couple of pounds to a whopping 200!
Cultivation Practices
If you want to grow watermelons, you’ll need temperatures above 77°F. They like a soil pH somewhere between 5.7 and 7.2.
Watermelons are monoecious, which means they have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. If you’re growing seedless watermelons, you’ll need to plant a seeded variety nearby to ensure pollination.
Breeders have developed disease-resistant watermelon varieties to help growers manage pests and diseases.
Types of Watermelon
Beyond the familiar oblong green fruit with bright red flesh, there’s a whole world of watermelons to explore. They differ in size, shape, flesh color, and whether they have seeds.
Size and Shape
Watermelons can be grouped by size:
- Picnic watermelons. These typically weigh between 20 and 40 pounds.
- Icebox watermelons. These are smaller, generally weighing 10 to 20 pounds, and are perfect for smaller families or those with limited refrigerator space (hence the name).
- Giant watermelons. Some varieties, like ‘Odell’s White,’ can tip the scales at over 60 pounds! These are often grown for competition or for feeding a large crowd.
Flesh Color
While red is the most common flesh color, watermelons also come in:
- Orange
- Yellow
- White
The color difference is due to varying levels of lycopene and beta-carotene, the same pigments that give tomatoes and carrots their vibrant hues.
Seeded vs. Seedless
You can find watermelons with seeds and without:
- Seeded watermelons. These are the traditional watermelons, full of black or brown seeds.
- Seedless watermelons. These are hybrids and actually require a seeded variety nearby for pollination. Seedless varieties have become increasingly popular in the 21st century, offering a convenient and less messy eating experience.
Watermelon Varieties and Improvement
From heirlooms to hybrids, watermelons come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors. Here’s a look at some notable varieties and how they’re improved.
Heirloom Varieties
Heirloom watermelons often have unique flavors and looks. Some older varieties, like the Bradford Family watermelon, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity.
Notable Varieties
Here are some common watermelon varieties:
- Sugar Baby: This is a classic “icebox” melon, which means it’s small enough to fit in a refrigerator.
- Jubilee Bush: This variety is well-suited for smaller gardens.
- Georgia Rattlesnake: The Georgia Rattlesnake is a popular choice for picnics, probably because it’s so large.
- Charleston Grey: The Charleston Grey was developed at a USDA plant breeding lab.
- Moon and Stars: This variety has striking dark green skin with yellow spots. The flesh can be red or yellow.
Variety Improvement
Plant breeding programs focus on creating watermelon varieties that are resistant to disease and produce high yields. Hybridization is also used to develop seedless watermelons, which are a popular choice for many consumers.
Watermelon’s nutritional value and culinary uses
Besides being a tasty and refreshing treat, watermelon provides hydration and nutrients.
Nutritional composition
Watermelon has a high water content, at 91.45 grams per 100 grams of fruit. It also contains about 6.2 grams of sugars per 100 grams. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant with potential health benefits, with 4532 micrograms per 100 grams.
Culinary applications
Most people enjoy watermelon raw, as a juicy and refreshing snack or dessert. But you can also use other parts of the watermelon in your cooking.
Watermelon rinds are edible, and you can pickle them. The juice and seeds are also used in various culinary applications, like juice blends, smoothies, and even as a roasted snack.
Watermelon production and global distribution
Watermelons are grown around the world, but some countries produce more than others.
Global production
China is the world’s top producer of watermelons, with global production hitting 105 million tonnes in 2023.
You’ll find watermelons growing in many different regions of the world.
Production data
If you’re thinking of growing watermelons commercially, you’ll want to think about pollination. The USDA recommends one beehive per acre for seeded varieties and three beehives per acre for seedless varieties.
Watermelon production is important to a lot of agricultural economies, providing income and jobs for farmers and others.
Symbolism and Cultural Significance
Watermelons aren’t just a refreshing summer snack; they also carry a surprising amount of symbolic weight.
In some contexts, the watermelon represents resistance and solidarity. For instance, it’s become a symbol of Palestinian identity, and it’s also associated with certain regions in Ukraine.
You’ll also find watermelons popping up in connection with eco-socialism and even abrosexuality. It’s a very diverse symbol, spanning a range of cultural meanings.
Unfortunately, watermelons also have a darker side to their symbolism. In the United States, they’re tied to a deeply offensive racist stereotype, which is important to acknowledge.
On a lighter note, watermelons are often a centerpiece of summer festivals and celebrations, representing the joy and abundance of the season.
Closing Thoughts
From its ancient origins to its place as a modern summertime staple, watermelon is a diverse and economically important fruit. Understanding its taxonomy—that is, its classification—as well as its cultivation, the many varieties available, and its seemingly endless uses is crucial for researchers, growers, and anyone else with a stake in this popular fruit.
Continued research is essential to creating improved watermelon varieties that are resistant to disease, that travel well, and that offer even more of the taste and nutrition we’ve come to expect. After all, watermelon remains one of the most refreshing and beloved fruits enjoyed around the world, and we can look forward to enjoying it for generations to come.