Watermelons

Watermelon is a warm-season fruit thought to have originated in the deserts and semi-

tropical regions of southern Africa. Hieroglyphics found on the walls of ancient Egyptian buildings depict the first watermelon harvest occurring nearly 5,000 years ago. Today, watermelons are produced in 96 countries, mostly in warm cli- mates. Georgia, Florida, and Texas are the top producers in the United States. Although rinds look hardy, they are actually quite fragile and require handpicking. Watermelon is completely edible: the flesh is delicious, the seeds can be roasted, and the rind can be used for making preserves, pickles, and relish.

Sources: National Watermelon Promotion Board, North Carolina State University

Watermelons are harvested at full maturity as they typically do not continue to ripen after being picked. The ground spot, the portion of the melon sitting in the soil, changes from pale white to a creamy yellow at proper harvest maturity. Storage life is typically 14 days at 59oF (15oC) but can be stored for up to 21 days at temperatures between 45 and 50oF (7-10oC). Chilling injury can occur if exposed to temperatures at or below 45oF (7.2oC) for extended periods of time. Many watermelons are shipped without precooling or refrigeration during transit; however, condition declines rapidly under these conditions.

Sources: UC Davis Postharvest website, University of Illinois Extension

Good Arrival Guidelines/Tolerances

Good arrival guidelines in the United States permit 15% total average defects,

8% serious and

4% decay upon arrival at contract destination after five days in transit. Recommended transit temp is 50 to 60oF.

Currently there are no guidelines specific to Canada for watermelon.

Sources: DRC, PACA, USDA

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup of diced

Amount Per Serving

Calories from Fat 2Calories 46

% Daily Values*

Total Fat 0.23g 0%

Saturated Fat 0.024g 0%

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.076g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.056g

Cholesterol 0mg 0%

Sodium 2mg 0%

Potassium 170mg

Total Carbohydrate 11.48g 4%

Dietary Fiber 0.6g 2%

Sugars 9.42g

Protein 0.93g

Vitamin A 17% Vitamin C 20%

Calcium 1% Iron 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Nutrition Values are based on USDA Nutrient Database SR18

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