Nutritional Value of Watermelon
Watermelon is composed of 92% water, making it an excellent fruit for hydration. Additionally, it is packed with essential nutrients beneficial for health, including:
Energy: 30kcal, Carbohydrates: 7.55g, Sugars: 6.2g, Fiber: 0.4g, Fat: 0.15g, Protein: 0.61g, Vitamin A: 28 μg, Vitamin B1: 0.033 mg, Vitamin B2: 0.021mg, Vitamin C: 8.1mg, Calcium: 7mg, Iron: 0.24mg, Magnesium: 10mg, Potassium: 112mg.
Watermelon is incredibly rich in nutritional value.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Thanks to its abundant nutrients, watermelon is a healthy food that boosts immunity, supports cardiovascular health, and aids digestion…
With its low calorie content, watermelon is particularly suitable for those on a diet. Additionally, it offers unique health benefits such as:
Preventing asthma; Watermelon seeds help prevent anemia; Good for eye health; Enhances skin beauty; Increases sperm quality and quantity; Aids recovery after exercise; Prevents cancer; Beneficial for pregnant women.
How to Choose Sweet, Seedless Watermelon
Watermelon Shape
When buying watermelon, opt for round, evenly shaped fruits with proportional ends, as these tend to ripen evenly. Avoid fruits with large tops and small bottoms, or gourd-shaped ones, as they are often unripe and less flavorful.
Watermelon Stem
Unlike other fruits, where freshness is key, choose watermelons with dry, withered stems for the best sweetness. Fresh, green stems may indicate early harvesting or unripe fruit, resulting in less sweetness. However, combine this observation with checking the skin color and weight to avoid mistaking withered stems for immature fruit.
Yellow Ground Spot
The yellower the ground spot, the riper and sweeter the watermelon. Avoid fruits with green or white ground spots, as they are unripe.
Navel and Weight
Fruits with deeper navels are often sweeter. Between two similarly sized watermelons, the heavier one is usually riper and juicier.
Lift the watermelon to estimate its weight. If it feels heavier than expected for its size, it’s likely a delicious, ripe fruit.
Bee Sting Marks
Brown spots on the rind, known as bee sting marks, indicate multiple pollinations, resulting in a sweeter fruit.
Weight Estimation
When selecting a watermelon, estimate its weight. Smaller, heavier fruits are typically riper, juicier, and sweeter. Lighter fruits may have thicker rinds and less flavor.
Keeping Watermelon Fresh Longer
If you’ve bought too many watermelons, try these methods to keep them fresh:
Using Table Salt
Dissolve some salt in water and soak the watermelon for 30 minutes. This creates a protective layer on the rind, preventing decay.
Using Plastic Wrap
Wrap the watermelon in plastic wrap and store it in a cool, dry place. This prevents bacterial contamination, keeping the fruit fresh longer.
