Description: Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape and feature thick green rinds that are often spotted or striped. They range in size from a few pounds to upward of ninety pounds. The fruit ranges from orange to red and they can be seeded or seedless.

Availability: Summer and early fall

Facts:  The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Over 1,200 varieties of watermelons are grown worldwide in 96 countries. Watermelon is 92% water. In 1990, Bill Carson of Arrington, TN grew the largest watermelon at 262 pounds that is still on the record books (1998 ed. Guinness Book of World Records).

Serving Size = 1 CUP

Selection: Choose symmetrical watermelons with dried stems and yellowish undersides, heavy for size.

Storage: Store whole watermelons at room temperature. Refrigerate cut watermelons in airtight container for use within 5 days.

Nutrition Benefits: Fat free; saturated fat free; sodium free; cholesterol free;
high in vitamin A; high in vitamin C.

 

ORAC Score: 100