Pink watermelon (pic - courtesy flickr.com) |
When I relocated to the UK, I discovered the many species and variations of the fruit! I had never seen a yellow watermelon, neither had I seen a seedless one. Straight away the seedless ones became a major attraction for me because with them, I did not have to bother so much about the seeds. The yellow ones were also quite peculiar, a little strange, but all the same exciting to add colour to my recipes.
Yellow watermelon (pic - courtesy flickr.com) |
Some though, are of the opinion that they originate from South Africa! Due to its very high water content, it's logical to conclude that watermelon is a desert plant which would have served as water storage for desert travellers! It is from Africa that this fruit found its way across the world; to the Americas through slave trade and to other continents through ship merchants.
A Super Food?
Recent research findings conclude that watermelon is a super food. As well as it being high in natural sugars, it is also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Its vibrant red colour is due to high levels of Lycopene a powerful antioxidant also present in tomatoes and pink grapefruit. Watermelon contains more Lycopene compared to these other fruits!
Nutritional Data (based on 1 250g slice/wedge)
Calories - 79kcal
Dietary fibre - 1g
Carbohydrates (of which sugars) - 17g
Protein - 1g
Fat - 0g
Vitamins - A, C B6
Minerals - Calcium, Iron, Potassium
Some watermelon recipes to try: