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Watermelon, which is also known as Citrullus lanatus, in the Cucurbitaceae family, is a plant with a unique fruit, that comes from the southern part of Africa.
The watermelon plant is especially known since it creates a fruit botanists call a pepo. This is a unique berry that features a thick rind and a strong centre. This type of berry is created through an inferior ovary.
An interesting thing about a watermelon is that it can be a male or female. A female watermelon is larger and sweeter while having fewer seeds. A male watermelon is smaller.
The gender of the fruit can be found by taking a look at the bottom side of the watermelon and looking at the ring that is in the opposite direction of the other circles. A male watermelon will have a small 19mm ring while a female watermelon will have a larger ring, about 25mm. This is important since females are sweeter and with less seeds.
Watermelons can grow to a variety of sizes. The 1998 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records says that the largest watermelon grown weighed 262 pounds (119 kilograms).
There are many health benefits found in watermelon. Watermelon has no cholesterol or fat and contains vitamins A, B6 and C, as well as fibre and potassium. The potassium and vitamin C alongside lycopene and iron in the watermelon can all work to fight off fatigue.
This fruit may also assist in alleviating various conditions created by a number of health ailments. These include such common ailments as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, colon cancer and atherosclerosis.
Electrolytes that are lost in physical activities can be replaced through a watermelon. It can also maintain proper water balances in the cells and improve the metabolism in the cells. Watermelon is also great for sunburn and some women use it by applying the red fleshy part on their face. This replenishes and lightens the complexion.
The best thing about a watermelon is that all parts of the fruit can be eaten. This includes the rind and seeds. The largest watermelon producer today is China. The Chinese even fry the rind of the watermelon. It is amazing how many ways you can use the watermelon!
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