Watermelon The watermelon plant, which produces a refreshing and delicious fruit, watermelon in summer and autumn, is a Cucurbitaceae. The exact homeland of the plant is unknown, and wild species are found in North Africa and Sudan. The most suitable places for watermelon production in our country are the Çukurova and Southeastern Anatolia regions and the coastal areas of the Aegean and Mediterranean regions.
The plant, which can grow up to 3-5 meters tall by lying on the ground, has large, segmented leaves and small, yellow flowers. Its fruits, which weigh up to 5-10 kg, are round, oval, cylindrical and recently produced rectangular; its thick shell is dark green, smooth, light and dark green striped or spotted. Its flesh, which is usually red and pink, sometimes yellow, is very juicy, refreshing and sweet when the fruit is fully ripe.
The seeds (kernels) scattered around inside the fruit are large or small. As a result of recent studies, sterile (seedless) varieties have also been obtained. Watermelon is very popular in our country and is eaten raw, and its peel is also used to make jam.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
The nutritional values of 100 gr. sliced watermelon can be listed as follows: 26 calories; 0.5 gr. protein; 0.3 gr. fiber; 0 cholesterol; 10 mg. phosphorus; 7 mg. calcium; 0.5 mg. iron; 320 mg. potassium: 590 IU vitamin A and 7 mg. vitamin C.
BENEFITS TO OUR HEALTH
As can be seen from the examination of the above values, it is a useful food especially in terms of potassium mineral and vitamin A. In addition;
Watermelon cleanses the blood and helps remove sand and stones from the kidneys: Because it increases urine production to a great extent due to the liquid content.
