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Thirst quenchers Watermelons

As the name indicates, the fruit contains 90 to 95 per cent water making it the best refreshing fruit in summer. These fruits originated in the hot deserts of Africa.

The best thing about this fruit is that besides giving a refreshing bite, it is packed with phytonutrients that providesa nutritious punch.

The red colour of the watermelon is attributed to the pigment Lycopene. Watermelon contains as much or more lycopene than tomatoes, which has antioxidant properties that helps combat heart diseases, cancer and other lifestyle diseases.

High content of potassium and low caloric value (16 calories / 100g) makes it an excellent fruit for diabetics and those suffering from high blood pressure.

It is also a low calorie food that makes it perfect for those on a diet. It is also a rich source of amino acid citrulline. Watermelon is a diuretic and hence helps in proper excretion of urine and prevents water retention. Although only the flesh is consumed by most of us, the fruit is edible.

The watermelon rind, rich in pectin, is used for preserves like jam, jellies and in pickles and curries in some places.

Watermelon seeds are also roasted and eaten. The seed contains 34 per cent protein and 52 per cent fat. The oil extracted from the seeds is used for lighting lamps and for culinary preparations.

The delicate crunchy sweet juicy flesh is relished sliced or as juice, shakes, salads, ice cream or in novel forms .

These nutritious and delicious melons are in high demand world wide. Propagated from seeds, the creeper grows best in sandy or sandy loam soils. The fruit botanically known as pepo comes in various shapes with mottled or striped green rind. Sugar Baby and Arka Jyothi are some of the popular varieties.

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