National Watermelon Day
National Watermelon Day, observed on August 3rd, is a sweet tribute to one of summer’s most refreshing and beloved fruits.
As soon as the temperature rises, watermelons start popping up everywhere, from picnic baskets and backyard BBQs to fruit salads and Instagram-worthy smoothies.
Farmers’ markets overflow with plump, striped beauties, and kids (and let’s be honest, adults too) line up to spit seeds in friendly contests under the sun.
While the exact beginning of the day is not clearly known, it was created to appreciate and enjoy the fruit that has been part of human history for thousands of years.
The History of Watermelon
Watermelon has been around for thousands of years, originally grown for its high water content to help people survive dry seasons.
Ancient watermelon seeds were found in the Dead Sea area and in southwestern Libya, showing that the fruit was once widely spread across ancient lands.
Watermelon cultivation had reached India by the 7th century, and it had reached China by the 10th century.
The Moors introduced watermelon to Spain, where it was being grown in places like Córdoba in 961 and Seville by 1158.
It slowly spread across Europe but didn’t thrive in cooler climates.
Early watermelons weren’t sweet like today’s versions. They had pale, bitter flesh and were hard to open.
Over time, farmers used selective breeding to create the juicy, sweet watermelon we all enjoy now.
European explorers brought watermelon to the Americas. Spanish settlers were growing it in Florida by 1576.
By 1629, it had reached Massachusetts, and by 1650, it was being grown in South American regions like Peru and Brazil, while Native Americans were also cultivating it in areas such as the Mississippi Valley.
Watermelon even became a symbol of freedom during the U.S. Civil War, as many freed Black Americans grew and sold it.
Sadly, over time, it became twisted into a racist stereotype that wrongly targeted Black communities.
Fast-forward to modern times, seedless watermelons were first created in Japan in 1939, though they didn’t become popular right away.
Due to their convenience of use and delicious flavor, seedless varieties accounted for just about 85% of watermelon sales in the United States by 2014.
Celebrating National Watermelon Day
National Watermelon Day is the perfect time to enjoy everything watermelon, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or staying cool indoors with the AC on.
This refreshing fruit isn’t just for eating plain, there are plenty of fun and delicious ways to celebrate.
Start with a classic seed spitting contest, a fun game that’s great for backyard gatherings.
All you need is watermelon seeds, a few friends, and some open space to see who can spit the farthest.
You can also get creative with watermelon carving. Just like pumpkins, watermelons can be shaped into fun designs.
Try carving a fruit basket, a shark mouth, or even a mini watermelon keg for something different.
Another great way to celebrate is by trying new watermelon recipes.
A watermelon feta salad combines sweet and salty flavors with a touch of mint and balsamic glaze.
A watermelon smoothie blended with lime juice and ice makes a cool summer drink. Grilled watermelon slices offer a surprising twist, try adding chili flakes or honey for extra flavor.
Did You Know?
- Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable since it grows from a flower and belongs to the gourd family.
- Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee, USA, grew the heaviest watermelon, which weighed 159 kg (350.5 lb), as verified on October 4, 2013.
- Yellow, orange, and even white watermelons exist and are just as sweet as the red ones.
- Watermelons are made up of 92% water, making them great for staying hydrated.
- Japanese farmers grow square watermelons by placing them in boxes to help them fit in small refrigerators.
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