“NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY” | Grandma’s Stories

Aug 3rd “NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY”

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY - August 3

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY

National Watermelon Day on August 3rd recognizes the refreshing summertime treat enjoyed at picnics and fairs! And since watermelon is 92% water, it is very satisfying in the summer heat.

This vine-like flowering plant originated from southern Africa. While the word watermelon refers to both the fruit and the plant to botanists, the plant is a pepo. The pepo is a berry with a thick rind and fleshy center. Interestingly, pepos develop from an inferior ovary. They are also characteristic of the Cucurbitaceae, a scientific term for the gourd family.

While the watermelon fruit is loosely considered a type of melon, unlike other melons, it’s not in the genus Cucumis. The smooth exterior usually produces a dark green rind with stripes or yellow spots. Watermelons produce a juicy, sweet interior flesh ranging from deep red to pink. However, sometimes it comes in orange, yellow, or white.

While melon holds plentiful water, wild melons were bitter and tasteless. This clue suggests that desert dwellers likely cultivated the first melon. Additional evidence of the watermelon’s value is supplied in the seeds and art found in tombs of Pharaohs. Over time, cultivation and breeding brought out the better qualities of the sweet and tender fruit we enjoy today.

With proper growing conditions, watermelons grow to enormous sizes. Around the world, competitions award prizes each year for the largest one. The Guinness Book of World Records states that the heaviest watermelon weighed 262 pounds. To learn more refreshing watermelon facts, check out www.watermelon.org.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalWatermelonDay

While you’re celebrating the day, spread the joy! Visit a pick your own watermelon patch or pick one up from your local farmer’s market. Then, slice it up and invite the neighborhood over to share. Make a fruit salad or cut it into wedges. What are your favorite watermelon memories? Try these other fun ways to celebrate the day, too!

Host a seed-spitting contest.
Create a new watermelon recipe.
Enjoy watermelon flavored candies or beverages.
Create a frozen watermelon dessert.
Learn how to pick a ripe watermelon.

Post on social media using #NationalWatermelonDay.

Parents and educators, check out more ways to #CelebrateEveryDay by visiting the National Day Calendar Classroom!

NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY HISTORY

While our research did not uncover the creator and origin of National Watermelon Day, we do offer you many more ways to celebrate fresh fruits and veggies.