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Watermelon muse
With the onset of summer season, one can spot this delicious red fruit watermelon (Scientific
name: Citrullus lanatus) everywhere, right from the hyper-markets, fruit shops and in almost
every other street corner. Other names of watermelon include “Tarboosni” (Tamil),
“Tarbooz” (Hindi and Urdu), “Tarbuj” (Manipuri), “Kadu vrindavana” (Marathi),
“Eriputccha” (Telugu), “Kalangadi balli” (Kannada), “Tormuj” (Bengali). The very sight of
the fruit tempts everyone who passes by. Watermelons are eagerly purchased by everyone.
But, are we sure how to pick a good watermelon?
LOOK FOR:
SHAPE
Watermelons should be firm and symmetrical in shape. They can be round or oblong. Round
watermelon is more common.
Type
Watermelons can be seeded or seedless. Seedless watermelons have fewer than 10 mature
(brown to black) seeds visible when the watermelon is cut into 4 equal pieces.
Different varieties of watermelons are available. Their flesh colors vary from pinkish red to red
and yellow/ orange. The pink- fleshed is the more common ones.
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[seeded]
[seedless]
Color and spotting:
Colour by itself is not a great indicator; almost all watermelons are green in color. Always
look for watermelons with a bright skin; dullness indicates that they are on the shelves for
quite some time.
The important thing to look for is the "field spot"- a large circular portion which has a
creamy yellow color. This indicates that the fruit was allowed to rest in soil for complete
ripening and producing sugars, before being picked. If the spot is white, light greenish or
absent, they may have been prematurely cut from the vine.
Weight:
Lift the melons up. Watermelons contain more than 90% of water and the remaining 10%
natural sugars. This accounts for most of its weight. However the weight of the fruit
varies with its size.
Measure
Weight in kilograms
small
up to 5.5
Medium
5.5 to 20
Large
over 20
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How to check for ripeness?
Employ the practical “thud” test: Raise the fruit to your ear, and give a vigorous tap. The best
watermelon has a thudding sound to indicate juicy, dense flesh. The intensity of the “thud”
corresponds to its heaviness.
Caution! Fruit defect!
[over ripe]
[bruise]
[hollow heart]
Is it tasty?
Yes, it has a sweet, crisp, juicy and hydrating flavour. Its texture is mildly granular, but crunchy
and juicy which makes it an overwhelmingly fruit. Even the seeds are peppery and wholly
edible.
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Is it healthy?
Watermelons act as a coolant, detoxifier and aphrodisiac. It also possesses antioxidant, analgesic
and anti-inflammatory properties.
Did you know? – Going on a 3-day watermelon fast clears kidney deposits, cleanses the
gallbladder and boosts the aortal and digestive system.
Studies have revealed that drinking its juice regularly increases the plasma concentrations of
lycopene, a substance known to fight cancer, prevent muscular degeneration and reduce the risk
of cardiovascular diseases.
Nutritional Information*
Moisture
g.
95.8
Protein
g.
0.2
Fat
g.
0.2
Minerals Crude Carbog.
Fibre hydrates
g.
g.
0.3
0.2
Niacin
mg.
Total
B6
mg.
3.3
Energy
K cal.
calcium
mg.
16
11
Phosphorous Iron
mg.
mg.
12
7.9
Water
Melon
Carotene
µg.
0
Thiamine Riboflavin
mg.
mg.
0.02
0.04
0.1
-
Folic acid µg.
Free
-
Total
-
Vitamin
C
mg.
Chlorine
mg.
1
-
*Source: Nutritive value of Indian foods, ICMR (Reprint 2009)
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Storage profile:
Proper storage is the key to increase the shelf life of a product. Whole watermelons can last for
up to a week when stored in a summer kitchen.
Refrigeration can increase the shelf life for two to three weeks but to note that the temperature is
no lower than 12°C. Extended lifespan in the fridge comes at the expense of sweetness and better
rounded flavor.
Place the cut melon pieces in a plastic wrap over refrigeration from drying out and extend its
shelf life.
There are always certain health risks associated with spoiled watermelon, so remember to
practice food safety and enjoy your fruits!
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Interesting facts
 The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt.
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Watermelon is 92% water.
The world’s largest watermelon weighs 268pounds, a record unmatched since 2005.
It can quench inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis,
diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
Watermelon is a vegetable! It is related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.
Every part of watermelon is edible, even the seeds and rinds.
August 3rd is considered to be National Watermelon Day in US.
Other names of watermelon include “Tarboosni” (Tamil), “Tarbooz” (Hindi and
Urdu), “Tarbuj” (Manipuri), “Kadu vrindavana” (Marathi), “Eriputccha” (Telugu),
“Kalangadi balli” (Kannada), “Tormuj” (Bengali).