Watermelon

Overview

Production

Cultivation

Health Benefits

What is Watermelon?

Watermelon is a fruit that belongs to the gourd family, which includes other fruits like pumpkin, cucumber, and squash. Watermelon is a type of fruit that grows on a vine-like plant. It is native to Africa but is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world, particularly in warm, tropical, and subtropical regions.

The fruit is typically large and round or oblong, with a thick green rind that is smooth or slightly bumpy. The flesh inside is juicy, sweet, and refreshing, with a texture that ranges from crunchy to tender depending on the variety. Most watermelons contain black seeds, although seedless varieties are also available.

Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that is rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and several other minerals. It is also a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help to protect against certain types of cancer and other diseases.

Watermelon is often consumed fresh, sliced up into pieces and eaten as a snack or dessert, or used as an ingredient in salads, smoothies, and other dishes. The fruit can also be juiced or blended into a puree and used as a base for cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages. Additionally, the rind of the watermelon can be pickled or used to make preserves, and the seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack.

Watermelon Production in the World

China is the top country producing Watermelon in the world. As of 2022, China produced 60,386,121 tonnes of Watermelon, accounting for 60.41% of the total production. Turkiye is the world's second-largest Watermelon producer, with 3,394,783 tonnes, which represents 3.40% of the total production. In terms of Watermelon yield, the Dominican Republic is the most productive country on the planet with 3,118,143. India, Algeria, and Brazil are the top three leading countries with '3,308,000', '2,022,892', '1,912,909', and '1,635,405' tonnes respectively. The Netherlands has the lowest production of Watermelon in the world with only 10 tonnes in 2022. The world's total production of watermelon was estimated at 99,957,603 tonnes in 2022.

Source: FAOSTAT

Top 10 Countries by Watermelon Production 2022

Top Countries by Production of Watermelon in 2022

Rank	Country	Production(Tonnes)	Acreage(Hectare)	Yield
1	China	60,386,121	1,384,052	436,300
2	Turkiye	3,394,783	69,021	491,848
3	India	3,308,000	120,000	275,667
4	Algeria	2,022,892	54,440	371,581
5	Brazil	1,912,909	85,729	223,134
6	Russia	1,635,405	91,042	179,633
7	Pakistan	1,578,259	49,967	315,860
8	United States	1,493,181	37,717	395,891
9	Senegal	1,492,625	89,555	166,671
10	Uzbekistan	1,439,370	41,922	343,345
11	Kazakhstan	1,345,871	50,769	265,099
12	Vietnam	1,200,409	47,888	250,672
13	Iran	1,200,000	50,000	240,000
14	Spain	1,164,990	21,700	536,862
15	Mexico	1,147,498	36,795	311,861
16	Egypt	1,025,289	31,501	325,476
17	Afghanistan	911,091	61,939	147,096
18	Tajikistan	806,611	24,027	335,712
19	Italy	656,700	12,390	530,024
20	Dominican Republic	641,629	2,058	3,118,143
21	Saudi Arabia	605,000	24,113	250,902
22	Morocco	602,951	14,258	422,886
23	Turkmenistan	581,272	27,738	209,556
24	South Korea	476,898	11,346	420,335
25	Tunisia	450,000	4,610	976,095
26	Iraq	440,149	23,733	185,459
27	Greece	435,440	7,130	610,715
28	Mali	416,173	28,609	145,469
29	Azerbaijan	375,087	14,727	254,690
30	Indonesia	367,816	27,097	135,740
31	Kenya	349,892	19,402	180,338
32	Syria	348,711	29,056	120,013
33	Japan	298,726	9,000	331,931
34	Albania	256,798	5,470	469,467
35	Libya	232,816	19,630	118,602
36	Colombia	219,647	12,643	173,733
37	Yemen	209,674	11,474	182,739
38	Ukraine	204,500	22,800	89,693
39	Kyrgyzstan	194,816	9,080	214,555
40	Niger	193,843	7,452	260,123
41	Serbia	183,578	5,168	355,221
42	Sudan	173,551	37,384	46,424
43	Venezuela	171,696	7,893	217,535
44	Australia	171,435	3,920	437,322
45	Guatemala	166,181	3,919	424,089
46	Taiwan	156,082	7,858	198,626
47	Romania	145,610	6,500	224,015
48	Lao PDR	145,440	7,570	192,127
49	Malaysia	135,682	7,992	169,765
50	Philippines	134,619	7,587	177,432
51	Jordan	126,241	2,083	606,082
52	Argentina	125,948	9,034	139,419
53	Armenia	124,556	4,124	302,028
54	North Macedonia	123,895	5,034	246,116
55	Thailand	120,628	5,195	232,187
56	Paraguay	118,245	24,016	49,236
57	Peru	113,745	4,143	274,547
58	Israel	106,807	4,167	256,323
59	Hungary	101,360	2,490	407,068
60	Cameroon	96,484	4,541	212,490
61	North Korea	90,539	6,042	149,856
62	Bulgaria	79,980	3,340	239,461
63	Ecuador	76,430	5,019	152,295
64	Honduras	67,831	1,043	650,324
65	South Africa	63,101	3,870	163,062
66	Bolivia	60,124	4,423	135,927
67	Georgia	59,800	2,200	271,818
68	Costa Rica	56,232	1,697	331,361
69	Chile	55,909	3,252	171,941
70	Lebanon	55,440	1,117	496,224
71	Oman	48,802	1,174	415,577
72	Cuba	41,024	2,626	156,238
73	Tanzania	37,525	3,666	102,368
74	Guyana	35,587	329	1,083,152
75	Panama	35,409	1,988	178,097
76	Canada	35,012	806	434,392
77	El Salvador	29,592	1,328	222,813
78	Portugal	28,950	870	332,759
79	Moldova	26,300	5,700	46,140
80	Croatia	23,820	1,000	238,200
81	France	23,770	920	258,370
82	Jamaica	18,302	779	234,942
83	Palestine	17,799	409	434,774
84	Montenegro	17,329	411	421,748
85	Botswana	14,420	471	305,935
86	Cyprus	12,380	360	343,889
87	Bosnia and Herzegovina	11,357	339	335,015
88	Uruguay	11,205	632	177,351
89	Somalia	6,483	677	95,790
90	Fiji	6,221	564	110,266
91	Puerto Rico	6,185	265	233,009
92	Namibia	3,584	322	111,323
93	Slovakia	3,570	80	446,250
94	Malta	3,430	-	-
95	Poland	2,900	100	290,000
96	Mauritania	2,648	4,786	5,534
97	Malawi	2,542	73	348,068
98	United Arab Emirates	2,497	87	288,128
99	New Zealand	2,429	232	104,711
100	Belize	2,318	130	178,308
101	Austria	2,220	50	444,000
102	Suriname	1,532	80	191,675
103	French Polynesia	1,444	120	119,900
104	Grenada	1,198	99	120,668
105	Cabo Verde	1,109	61	181,803
106	Solomon Islands	1,051	74	141,182
107	Kuwait	820	21	382,567
108	Slovenia	620	30	206,667
109	St. Lucia	450	13	360,000
110	Tonga	440	61	72,367
111	New Caledonia	416	36	115,519
112	Trinidad and Tobago	396	52	76,195
113	Brunei Darussalam	365	24	151,678
114	Dominica	277	21	130,094
115	Bahrain	254	4	697,398
116	Qatar	149	16	94,388
117	St. Kitts and Nevis	116	7	162,193
118	Antigua and Barbuda	109	35	30,872
119	Bhutan	94	16	59,193
120	Djibouti	68	3	221,754
121	Cook Islands	64	3	198,207
122	Netherlands	10	-	-

Cultivation of Watermelon

Watermelon is a warm-season crop that is typically grown in areas with long, hot summers.

Here are the basic steps involved in cultivating watermelon:

Site selection: Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Watermelon plants require at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day and do best in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
Planting: Watermelon seeds can be planted directly in the ground or started indoors and transplanted. Plant seeds about an inch deep and space them about six feet apart. Watermelon plants require plenty of room to spread out, so make sure to give them adequate space.
Irrigation: Watermelon plants require regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can be used to keep the soil moist without wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.
Fertilization: Watermelon plants require regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and fruit development. A balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio of 8-8-8 or 10-10-10 can be applied every few weeks throughout the growing season.
Pest and disease management: Watermelon plants can be susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, including aphids, cucumber beetles, and powdery mildew. Organic and/or chemical control methods can be used to manage these issues.
Harvesting: Watermelon fruit is typically ready for harvest about 80-90 days after planting, depending on the variety. Look for a yellowish spot on the bottom of the fruit, which indicates that it is ripe. The fruit should also have a hollow sound when thumped.

Overall, watermelon cultivation requires a warm, sunny location, regular watering and fertilization, and careful pest and disease management. With proper care, watermelon plants can produce a bountiful harvest of sweet, juicy fruit.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon not only provides a refreshing and sweet taste, but it also offers several health benefits. Here are some of the potential health benefits of consuming watermelon:

Hydration: Watermelon has a high water content, making it an excellent choice for staying hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for various bodily functions and can help maintain optimal physical and cognitive performance.
Nutrient-rich: Watermelon is a good source of vitamins and minerals. It contains vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that help protect the body against cellular damage. Watermelon also provides potassium, which is crucial for maintaining proper heart and muscle function, as well as other minerals like magnesium and calcium.
Antioxidant properties: Watermelon contains lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that gives it its vibrant red color. Lycopene has been associated with various health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain types of cancers and cardiovascular diseases.
Heart health: The presence of lycopene, citrulline, and other beneficial compounds in watermelon may contribute to heart health. Lycopene helps lower cholesterol levels and reduce oxidative stress, while citrulline helps promote the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels, leading to better blood flow and potentially lower blood pressure.
Hydration and exercise recovery: Due to its high water content and electrolyte composition, watermelon can be beneficial for rehydrating the body after physical activity or in hot weather. It also contains some natural sugars, which can provide a quick source of energy.
Eye health: Watermelon contains beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining healthy eyes and good vision.
Weight management: Watermelon is low in calories and high in water and fiber content, which can help promote feelings of fullness and satiety. Including watermelon in a balanced diet can be a helpful addition to weight management or weight loss efforts.

It's worth noting that while watermelon offers several health benefits, it should be consumed as part of a balanced and varied diet. Individual nutritional needs may vary, so it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice.

Nutritional Information of Watermelon

Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is low in calories and contains a high water content. Here is the approximate nutritional composition of watermelon per 100 grams:

Calories: 30 kcal
Protein: 0.6 grams
Fat: 0.2 grams
Carbohydrates: 7.6 grams
Fiber: 0.4 grams
Sugar: 6.2 grams
Vitamin C: 8.1 milligrams (14% of the daily recommended intake)
Potassium: 112 milligrams
Magnesium: 10 milligrams
Water: Approximately 91%

It's important to note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as the variety and ripeness of the watermelon.

Regional Variety of Watermelon

Regional varieties of watermelon offer unique characteristics and are cherished for their specific uses. Here, we will explore a few noteworthy regional varieties and their associated applications:

Charleston Gray: This variety is renowned for its large size and elongated shape. Charleston Gray watermelons are commonly used for making refreshing fruit salads, juices, and smoothies due to their high water content and sweet flavor.
Sugar Baby: With their smaller size and thick, dark green rind, Sugar Baby watermelons are perfect for personal consumption or small gatherings. Their deep red, juicy flesh makes them ideal for enjoying as a healthy snack, adding to fruit skewers, or incorporating into fruit salads.
Crimson Sweet: Recognized for its medium size, striped dark green rind, and vibrant red flesh, Crimson Sweet watermelons are versatile in their uses. They are frequently enjoyed in various forms, including sliced for picnics, blended into refreshing beverages, or used in desserts like sorbets and popsicles.
Yellow Crimson: Standing out from the typical red-fleshed watermelons, Yellow Crimson varieties feature a golden-yellow interior. Their sweet and tropical flavor profile makes them a delightful addition to fruit platters, fruit salads, or even as a unique twist in fruit-infused water.
Moon and Stars: A visually striking variety, Moon and Stars watermelons showcase a dark green rind speckled with small yellow spots, resembling stars, while some fruits also exhibit a large, contrasting yellow "moon" patch. These heirloom watermelons are favored for their rich and sweet flavor, making them perfect for savoring fresh or incorporating into desserts.
Orangeglo: Known for its vibrant orange flesh, Orangeglo watermelons offer a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess. Their unique flavor lends well to juicing, making sorbets, or using them as a colorful ingredient in fruit salads and salsas.
Jubilee: Jubilee watermelons are notable for their large size and excellent sweetness. Their crisp and juicy red flesh is often enjoyed sliced or diced for summer gatherings, picnics, and barbecues.
Icebox: Icebox watermelons, as the name suggests, are compact and perfectly sized for fitting into a refrigerator or cooler. They are favored for their convenience and are commonly enjoyed as personal-sized watermelons for quick snacks or for adding a refreshing twist to packed lunches.

Remember, these regional watermelon varieties offer unique flavors, textures, and appearances, allowing you to explore a diverse range of culinary possibilities. Embrace the abundance of options and savor the delightful flavors they bring to your table!

Structure of Watermelon Plant

The watermelon plant, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a sprawling vine belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. It possesses a unique growth pattern and structure, characterized as follows:

Stem: The watermelon plant boasts lengthy, slender, and trailing stems that can extend for several meters. These stems are covered in coarse, hairy surfaces with a slightly prickly texture.
Leaves: This plant features sizable leaves with a deep green hue. The leaves exhibit palmate lobes, meaning they have multiple divisions radiating from a central point, resembling the shape of a hand or fingers.
Tendrils: Watermelon plants produce coiled tendrils that emerge from the leaf axils. These thin and flexible structures aid the plant in climbing and supporting itself by latching onto nearby objects or structures.
Flowers: Watermelon plants bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant. These flowers are yellow and typically possess five petals. The male flowers possess long stalks, while the female flowers have a small, immature fruit attached at the base.
Fruit: Undoubtedly, the watermelon fruit takes center stage in this plant. It develops on lengthy, trailing vines and can vary in size and shape depending on the specific variety. The fruit is typically round or oval, with a smooth or striped green rind. Inside, it is juicy and sweet, with flesh that can range from red, pink, yellow, to white, depending on the particular cultivar.
Roots: The watermelon plant possesses a shallow root system that spreads horizontally near the soil's surface. These roots serve to anchor the plant and absorb water and nutrients from the soil.

All in all, the watermelon plant exhibits a sprawling growth pattern characterized by long stems, large lobed leaves, coiled tendrils, yellow flowers, and delectable fruits that grow along the vines.

Uses of Watermelon

Watermelon is a versatile fruit that can be used in many different ways.

Here are some of the most common uses of watermelon:

Eating fresh: Watermelon is often enjoyed fresh, sliced up into pieces, and eaten as a snack or dessert. It is particularly popular in the summertime when it is in season and can be served chilled for a refreshing treat.
Juicing and blending: Watermelon can be juiced or blended into a puree and used as a base for smoothies, cocktails, mocktails, and other beverages. This is a great way to enjoy the flavor and nutritional benefits of watermelon in a drinkable form.
Salads and salsas: Watermelon can be used as an ingredient in salads and salsas, either alone or combined with other fruits and vegetables. Its sweet and juicy flavor pairs well with ingredients like feta cheese, cucumber, mint, and lime.
Grilling: Watermelon can be grilled or roasted for a unique and flavorful twist on this fruit. Grilled watermelon can be served as a side dish or used as a topping for burgers, salads, or other dishes.
Preserves and pickles: The rind of the watermelon can be pickled or used to make preserves, chutneys, and other condiments. This is a great way to use up the entire fruit and reduce food waste.
Seeds: Watermelon seeds can be roasted and eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in recipes like granola bars or trail mix. They are rich in nutrients like protein, healthy fats, and minerals.