Watermelon is a summer classicbut many people believe that this fruit is water and little else. That is clearly a legend that should be banished. It is true that watermelon It crunches in your mouth and it fills with water instantly.with an unmistakable sweet aroma. But this fruit is water and much more.

The watermelon properties They go far beyond mere hydration.

What is watermelon fruit like?

Watermelon is a fruit that is in season in summer, oval or spherical in shape and of considerable size. Its shell varies in color, from pale to dark green, sometimes having stripes of two shades of green. The pulp normally It is intense red in color, although it can also be pink or yellow and contains multiple seeds inside, although some varieties do not have these seeds.

It is a food to taste, but above all to satisfy yourself. Yes, it provides a good dose of water, which is very good in summer, but this water is accompanied by nutrients and amazing beneficial substances that are practically only found in watermelon and that give it valuable properties.

Origin of watermelon

In the world there are almost 1,200 varieties of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), a cucurbitaceous plant, such as melon, pumpkin, zucchini or cucumber. Its origin is in Africa, probably in present-day Namibia, where the greatest variety of species of this creeping plant still grows in the wild.

There is evidence that they were cultivated four thousand years ago in the Nile Valley. About a thousand years ago, the first arrived in Asia, and 700 years ago, in Europe.

Today the world’s largest producer is, by far, China, which harvests almost 70 of the 140 million tons grown in the world. The remaining half is shared by Iran, Türkiye, Egypt, Brazil and the United States, among other countries.

It arrived in the Iberian Peninsula with the Arabs, who called it sandiyyaha modification of classical Arabic sindiyyahwhich alludes to a fertile region of Pakistan: Sind. Today it is grown mainly in Andalusia and the Levante area, where it flowers between June and July.

Watermelon properties

It is a summer fruit with a very high water content (250 g of watermelon is equivalent to 220-230 g of water), which gives it moisturizing properties and makes it a excellent option to quench thirst in the warmest months of the year.

Among the properties of watermelon, its low calorie intake also stands out (32 calories/100 g), so it can be used in generous doses in any type of low-calorie diet.

Watermelon vitamins

Provides a discrete amount of vitamin C (10 mg/100 g), but to cover 20% of the daily needs of this vitamin it is enough to consume only 45 calories, thanks to the abundant water that this fruit contains (92% of its weight).

It is also a source of beta-carotene or provitamin A. Yellow varieties contain a higher concentration, but a 200 g serving of red watermelon (one slice) provides 605 mcg, which represents 23% of the daily needs of vitamin A.

The effect of beta-carotene in this sense is multiplied when combined with lycopene. In 100 g of watermelon there are 4,532 mcg of lycopene. We must also add the anti-inflammatory properties of the triterpene cucurbitacin E.

In the composition of watermelon we also find vitamins E and group B.

Watermelon minerals

It is worth highlighting its content in calciummodest but interesting, and the same can be said of the iron.

The contribution of magnesium and potassium explains the properties of watermelon as a remineralizer, ideal for replacing losses of mineral salts.

Additionally, watermelon contains little fiber and their fats are tinywhich makes it very easy to digest.

Benefits of watermelon

The watermelon has purifying properties and causes a feeling of satiety that can be useful in weight loss diets.

Cardiovascular prevention

The combination of vitamin C, beta-carotene and lycopene makes watermelon a food that prevents cardiovascular diseases, cancer and many chronic and degenerative diseases.

Lowers blood pressure

The diuretic effect of water and citrulline in watermelon is enhanced by the potassium content (112 mg in 100 g), a mineral that helps control blood pressure, It regulates the heartbeat and probably helps prevent heart attacks.

To lose weight

It is highly recommended, in addition to treat obesity, for kidney and urinary tract problems.

Help for man

When you eat watermelon, citrulline, An amino acid present in this fruit is converted into the amino acid arginine, which improves the production of nitric oxide, which in turn relaxes blood vessels, increases blood flow and has a positive effect on the erectile function in men.

Of course, you need to eat a good amount per day (between 400 g and 1 kg) so that the blood level of arginine increases by 12 to 22%. On the other hand, some studies associate watermelon citrulline and arginine with advantages in type 2 diabetes and obesity.

On the other hand, chewing seeds is good for prostate health due to the presence of trace elements such as copper, manganese and zinc. In addition, it has these virtues:

Watermelon in the kitchen

If you get a watermelon just right, it will be difficult to stop eating it in slices, but in the kitchen it also displays all its qualities. You can make many recipes with watermelon, such as salads, gazpachos and starters, healthy skewers, sorbets, fruit salads and even jams and candied fruit. You just have to cut it in different ways, season it with grace, combine it with soft ingredients or cook it very lightly so that it doesn’t lose its juiciness.

Purchase and conservation

The best purchasing time for this fruit is summer (specifically from June to August). When choosing it, You should choose a firm, heavy and very low-gloss piece. in appearance.

You will be able to know when you have reached your optimal ripening point by hitting its surface with your fingers. If it makes a hollow sound, it indicates that the fruit is full of water and ready to be consumed. You should not buy those that are broken or have soft parts.

If the fruit is very green, it can be left for a few days at room temperature until it ripens. Finally, it must be taken into account that watermelon is sensitive to cold, although once harvested it should be stored in the refrigerator so that its pulp does not become dry and fibrous.

Seedless watermelons

Seedless watermelons are the result of a natural hybridization between two varieties. The fruit is a triploid watermelon with seeds that, when planted, produce sterile fruits.

However, watermelon seeds can be eaten, like pumpkin seeds.