August 3rd is World Watermelon Day.
About 92% of the mass of watermelon is water – this is the highest percentage among fruits, due to which it can quench not only hunger, but also thirst. The holiday is mostly celebrated in the United States, writes "Darik". Among the most popular competitions during this holiday are the watermelon-jumping and seed-spitting.
In different regions of Bulgaria, watermelon is also called carpuz, lyubenitsa or bostan. According to the accepted classification of agricultural crops, it is a fruit vegetable. The watermelon fruit is berry-like and has a smooth rind (green or yellow) and a juicy, sweet, usually red interior.
The watermelon is believed to have originated in South Africa, where the species has the greatest genetic diversity. The root system reaches up to 2 m in depth and 3 m in diameter. The stem is creeping, with 3-4 skeletal branches that are pubescent.
Fresh watermelon can be eaten in a variety of ways and is often used to flavor drinks. The rind of the watermelon can also be eaten and is sometimes used like a vegetable.
In China it is fried, boiled or most often marinated. When frying, the skin is peeled off and cooked with olive oil, garlic, hot peppers, onions, sugar and rum. Pickled watermelon rind is also common in Russia.
Watermelon seeds are rich in fat and protein and are eaten on their own, added to other dishes or used to make vegetable oil. Specialized varieties are grown that have very little water mass and concentrate their energy in the seeds.
In China, watermelon seeds are sold roasted and spiced, similar to sunflower seeds. In West Africa, they are pressed for butter or used to make soup and other dishes.