Watermelon is the ultimate summer sidekick, but there’s so much more to this juicy fruit than meets the eye.
We’re talking mind-blowing facts that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about this summer staple.
Ready to have your mind (and taste buds) blown? Let’s dive in!
1. $6000 Watermelon
Meet the Densuke watermelon, a luxury fruit from Japan that once sold for $6,100 at auction. What makes it so special? It’s as rare as they come, with a taste that’s out of this world. It’s the kind of watermelon you’d eat with pinkies up.
2. Watermelon Seed Spitting Contests
Watermelon seed spitting is a competitive sport. The current world record stands at a whopping 75 feet 2 inches. If you’ve got a good set of lungs and a competitive spirit, this might just be your calling. It’s basically the Olympics of summer picnics.
3. Watermelons Are Berries
Surprise! Watermelons aren’t just any fruit—they’re berries. But not just any berry; they belong to a special group called “pepo.” This group includes cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Next time you’re enjoying a slice, you can drop the knowledge bomb that you’re actually eating the world’s juiciest berry.
4. Ancient Egyptian Snack
Watermelons have been around for over 5,000 years, making them ancient history’s coolest snack. The Egyptians valued them so much that they were buried with the dead to ensure a tasty afterlife. Imagine the pharaohs enjoying a sweet slice in the afterlife—talk about a timeless treat!
5. The Hulk of Watermelons
The biggest watermelon ever recorded weighed a jaw-dropping 350.5 pounds. Grown in Tennessee, this melon was basically the size of a small car. You could throw a neighborhood BBQ and still have leftovers!
6. Nature’s Hydration Station
Watermelon is made of 92% water, which makes it your perfect summer hydration buddy. It’s like drinking water, but way more fun. And if you’re out in the sun, why not snack on something that keeps you cool and refreshed?
7. Watermelon Rind Pickles
Don’t toss those rinds! In the southern U.S., people pickle them into a tangy treat. This old-school recipe turns the rind into a sweet-and-sour snack that pairs perfectly with barbecue. Who knew watermelon could be the star of your next charcuterie board?
8. Wedding Gifts with a Twist
In some cultures, watermelons are more than just a fruity gift—they’re a symbol of fertility and prosperity. Giving one at a wedding means you’re wishing the couple a fruitful life, literally. Now that’s a gift that keeps on giving!
9. The Rainbow of Watermelons
With over 1,200 varieties, watermelons come in all sorts of colors, sizes, and flavors. Ever seen a yellow or orange watermelon? They exist! And don’t even get us started on the Moon and Stars variety, which looks like something from outer space.
10. The Red Wonder
Watermelons are packed with lycopene, the antioxidant responsible for their vibrant red color. Not just a pretty face, lycopene has some serious health benefits, like reducing the risk of certain cancers. Eating watermelon isn’t just delicious; it’s doing your body a favor.
11. Watermelon as a Drink Container
Long before there were water bottles, there were watermelons. Early travelers used these fruits to store water, thanks to their thick rinds. Talk about a sustainable way to stay hydrated!
12. China’s Watermelon Kingdom
China is the reigning champion of watermelon production, growing over 60% of the world’s supply. So if you love watermelon, you have China to thank for keeping the global watermelon game strong. They’ve got watermelon fields as far as the eye can see!
13. Natural Viagra
Watermelon is sometimes called “nature’s Viagra” due to the amino acid citrulline, which might help improve blood flow. So, eating watermelon could be doing more for you than just satisfying your sweet tooth. Who knew this fruit had such a flirty side?
14. Don’t Toss That Rind
Watermelon rinds aren’t just for the trash—they make fantastic compost. Rich in nutrients, they break down quickly, turning your compost pile into a powerhouse for your garden. So, even when the fruit’s gone, it’s still giving back to the earth.
15. Watermelon and the Moon
Are you superstitious? Some people believe that if you plant watermelon seeds on the night of a full moon, the melons will grow sweeter.
This belief comes from linking lunar phases to crop quality.
From their ancient roots to their modern-day celebrations, watermelons are more than just a refreshing snack.
Share these juicy watermelon facts with friends, and enjoy your next slice with a newfound appreciation for this amazing fruit!