Watermelon harvests peak in the month of July in the US and therefore it is known as National Watermelon Month. (I bet you didn’t know that!)

Watermelon is thought to have originated in Egypt 5,000 years ago where it was depicted in hieroglyphics. This sweet treat is now the most-consumed melon in the U.S. and Mexico with more than 300 varieties grown in these two countries.

Here are a few fun facts about watermelon:

• Watermelon is a Fruit AND a Vegetable
  How could that be? It is a cousin to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash and is a sweet seed-producing plant.

• Watermelon is Mostly Water
  It certainly lives up to its name because watermelon is more than 91 percent water. Eating watermelon on a hot summer way is a good way to stay hydrated (along with a lot of good, pure water).

• Watermelon Relieves Inflammation and Muscle Soreness
  It is a natural anti-inflammatory so it aids in treating many diseases. Some athletes like to drink watermelon juice before working out. Be careful with drinking too much of the juice as it contains glycemic fructose and can substantially influence blood sugar levels. Eating the whole fruit is best.

• Watermelon is Rich in Vitamins and Minerals, but Low in Calories
  Because watermelon is more than 90 percent water, you may assume the fruit has no nutritional value. But a 300-mL wedge of watermelon packs in about one-third of the recommended daily value of vitamins A and C. It contains more vitamin C ounce for ounce than an orange!

• Watermelon in Other Countries
  In China and Japan watermelon is a popular gift to bring a host. In Israel and Egypt the sweet taste of watermelon is often paired with the salty taste of feta cheese.

• Some Watermelons Are Yellow
  The Yellow Crimson Watermelon has a honey flavor and yellow flesh. It offers its own unique set of nutritional benefits, but most research has been done on the more popular pink varieties.

• You Can Eat Watermelon Rind and Seeds
  The rind contains more of the amino acid citrulline that the pink flesh as well as blood-building chlorophyll. Citrulline is converted to arginine in the kidneys which is important for heart health and the immune system, and also has been researched to have potential therapeutic value in over 100 health conditions. Try putting the rind into a blender with some ice and lime for a refreshing treat.

Our Tip of the Month contains another AMAZING fact about watermelon!