Watermelon

Citrullus lanatus

fruit

A very large berry with water-filled red flesh and black seeds, from a trailing African plant; it usually weighs 5 to 12 kg. It provides lycopene, the red pigment of tomato.

Origin

Africa (Kalahari desert)

Season (United States)

all year round · grows in your region

Preparation

The seeds are eaten, raw or roasted; the white rind too, pickled or stir-fried, as in Asia and the American South. Like melon, it is washed before cutting.

Molecules

LycopeneIn small amounts, not counted Beta-cryptoxanthin · Inositol

Did you know?

In competitions, some watermelons exceed 50 kg, and world records pass 100 kg.