What is a watermelon?

The green-skinned, pink-fleshed watermelon - a truly refreshing treat on a hot day - is the largest of all the sweet melons and is believed to have originated in Africa. True to its name, it contains more than 90 percent water. A typical watermelon weighs 3 to 4 kilograms although they can get heavier than 30 kilograms. The fruit grows on a vine on the ground and is related to the cantaloupe and pumpkin.

Once picked, a watermelon will not get riper but instead starts to deteriorate as its flesh gets softer. The flesh should be firm and a deep pink, although more frequently yellow-fleshed melons are appearing in Thailand. Watermelons are packed with anti-oxidants and are also good sources of vitamin A and C.

The watermelon seeds are also edible, but you need to remove the outer coating of the seed. In Thailand, the watermelon is a popular fruit for fruit carving, with the green skin, white rind and pink flesh making for eye-catching pieces.

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What is a watermelon?

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