Watermelon Facts

My family has been eating a lot of watermelon lately.  I also have a couple plants growing in the garden.

Watermelon Trivia:
Watermelon has been a food enjoyed by humans for thousands of years, and is thought to be native to tropical Africa.  Seeds of the watermelon plant were found in King Tut's tomb.  By the 10th century AD, China was cultivating watermelons, and is still the world's largest producer of watermelons.  The word "watermelon" first appeared in an English dictionary in 1615.  Pickled watermelon rind is a common food in the southern US.  Watermelon juice can be made into wine.

Although  most people avoid the inner white rind, it is actually full of vitamins and beneficial properties: don't cut it away with the outer rind, but eat it along with the red flesh to maximize the health benefits.  Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Lycopene.

Nutritional Info:

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	127 kJ (30 kcal)
Carbohydrates	7.55 g
Sugars	6.2 g
Dietary fiber	0.4 g
Fat	0.15 g
Protein	0.61 g
Water	91.45 g
Vitamin A equiv.	28 μg (3%)
Thiamine (Vit. B1)	0.033 mg (3%)
Riboflavin (Vit. B2)	0.021 mg (1%)
Niacin (Vit. B3)	0.178 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	0.221 mg (4%)
Vitamin B6	0.045 mg (3%)
Folate (Vit. B9)	3 μg (1%)
Vitamin C	8.1 mg (14%)
Calcium	7 mg (1%)
Iron	0.24 mg (2%)
Magnesium	10 mg (3%)
Phosphorus	11 mg (2%)
Potassium	112 mg (2%)
Zinc	0.10 mg (1%)
Percentages are relative to US recommendationsfor adults. Source: USDA Nutrient database

According to Mike Adams on his HealingFoodReference.com page, watermelon may treat and prevent many illnesses and disorders, including:
~heatstroke
~urinary tract infections
~sore throat
~free radicals
~cancer
~excessive thirst
~mental depression
~edema

Watermelon supports many body systems, including:
~stomach
~bladder
~heart
~urinary system

Besides being good for you, watermelon also tastes good, and it's relatively inexpensive.  Locally-grown fruit are ideal.

Watermelon may be stored on the counter until cut, then it should be kept in the fridge.  Cut it into small pieces and store in an airtight container in the fridge; that way, you and your family members can spoon out single servings into a bowl and eat with a fork.  Alternatively, slice into single serving pieces still on the rind and store in a covered dish.