By Ranita Ray
With a history of 5000 years or more, watermelon has travelled around the world from its origin,i.e. Egypt. As it voyaged, it amassed several unique stories around it. Here are 13 intriguing facts about watermelons.
Most recorded accounts suggest that watermelons were initially planted in Egypt. Watermelon seeds have been discovered in Africa's northeast, dating back 5,000 years.
Watermelons were so valuable that Pharaohs kept them in their tombs. A big, striped, rectangular fruit was shown in an Egyptian tomb at least 4000 years old.
Watermelons are legit to get the moniker. There are mentions of narratives that they were cultivated for water and food in northern Africa.
Watermelons spread across the Middle East and the rest of the world from Egypt. It was likely taken to India from Egypt in prehistoric times.
In the early centuries, the watermelon was known by several other names, including the Greek word pepon, the Latin word pepo, and the Hebrew word avattiah.
In 1615, the term "watermelon" had its debut in the English language.
Mark Twain, a fan of the fruit, said, "When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat."
Watermelon thrived in the subtropical environments of Japan and Taiwan. It's odd since the fruit is considered a vegetable in Taiwan and Thailand.
According to the Susruta Samhita by the famous Indian physician and surgeon Susruta, watermelons were grown on the Indus River's banks. He named it kalinda or kalinga.
Indian watermelons' names like "New Hampshire midget," "Madhuri 64," "black magic," "sugar baby," "Noorjehani," "Anarkali," "Sharbat-e-Anar," "etc." are alluringly exotic.
You needn't fret about a gift if you're invited to someone's home in China or Japan. Watermelon makes a great present.
Japanese scientists created the first seedless watermelon. Farmers in Japan have also crafted cube-shaped watermelons.
Indian scientists in the field of agriculture have created a new, experimental seedless species they've named Pusa Bedana.