Citrullus lanatus – (Water Melon)

Description

The watermelon is a large fruit of a more or less spherical shape. It is usually eaten raw as table dessert. It has a sweet reddish or yellowish flesh. It is a very refreshing food that supplies very few calories. It also provides some vitamins and minerals. The watermelon is a large fruit, up to 25cm of diameter, in some cases weighing up to 15kg. It has an oval or spherical shape and a dark green and smooth rind, sometimes showing irregular areas of a pale green colour. It has a sweet, juicy, refreshing flesh of yellowish or reddish colour ,containing multiple black, brown or white pips. Some new varieties, cultivated in the last few years, have changed this classic characteristic, bearing seedless fruits, varieties of yellow pulp or smaller watermelons. The watermelon is generally eaten raw, in slices, quarters or even in small balls. It is used to make sherbets, puree and jam. It is very rich in water. It contains fats nor proteins, and therefore it is low in calories. Moreover, it is an important source of potassium and vitamin A. It is a refreshing fruit with diuretic properties.