Written by Andrew Akhaphong, MS, RD, LD, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Registered Dietitian
In 2023 the National Watermelon Board published a survey of 805 respondents on their watermelon purchasing habits. Their findings include – (1)
- 47% reported they purchased watermelon in the past 6 months
- 53% of consumers searched for health benefits of watermelon
- 53% would like to learn how to pick a good watermelon
- 8 / 10 consumers state watermelon is comforting on a hot day
- 9 / 10 respondents eat watermelon as a snack while 5 / 10 for dessert
Additionally, The Packer published their Fresh Trends 2023 report to examine the same questions – (2)
- Younger consumers are the most frequent buyers of mini or personal-sized watermelons
- Women are the decision makers of watermelon purchases
Varieties of Watermelon
Seedless watermelons were developed through crossbreeding of different watermelon species. The purpose is to develop a watermelon with an odd number of genes to prevent the development of mature seeds. The yellow specks in seedless watermelon are the immature seeds that you see in the fruit. Seedless watermelons were created to provide a better eating experience for consumers.
Mini watermelons or personal-sized watermelons can be developed by selective breeding or crossbreeding of different watermelon species. The goal is to develop a plant with the strongest structure, taste, and smallest size. Mini watermelons in fact were not available in the United States Market until 2003! That makes this species about 11 years old! The purpose of mini watermelons is to offer consumers a fruit for smaller households to reduce food waste and cost. Mini watermelons can come seedless or seed.
Watermelon with seeds may not be every person’s favorite due to the hassle of having to pick them out to enjoy the eating experience. Read on to learn more about why watermelon seeds are not a bad choice.
Watermelon Seeds
Watermelon seeds can either be roasted and eaten like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. They can also be sprouted and used in salads, sandwiches, or wraps!
Zinc allows for the body to move calcium to the heart which supports relaxation and contraction. Additionally it allows for the reduction of blood pressure!
Many of us know Vitamin D (and calcium) are essential for bone health, but so is iron! Iron allows for the body to signal what specific bone cells are needed to rebuild or strengthen bone tissue.
Potassium allows for the pancreas to produce consistent levels of insulin to manage blood sugars.
Watermelon Itself
A protein not much talked about, citrulline is found in watermelon but can also be made by our body’s liver. The purpose of this protein is to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide relaxes blood vessels in muscles to improve oxygen availability and increase muscle tissue during workouts, recovery, and periods of muscle growth.
Red watermelon (there is also yellow watermelon which we won’t get into) contains lycopene, an antioxidant. In addition to reducing our risk for cancer, it improves fat metabolism and reduces inflammation.
Watermelon Gazpacho
By Jeanine and Jack, Love and Lemons
What You Need
- 4 heaping cups of cubed seedless watermelon
- 1 english cucumber, diced; reserve half
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced; reserve half
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced; reserve half
- ⅓-cup chopped green onions; reserve half
- 1 garlic clove
- Small handful of fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- ½ teaspoons of ground black pepper
- Optional toppings: diced jalapeno, diced avocado, microgreens
What You Do
- Set aside the reserved half of the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red pepper and green onions and place the remaining half in a blender. Add the watermelon, garlic, basil, vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper and jalapeño pepper, if using. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Pour into a large bowl (or small individual jars, as pictured) and stir in the reserved chopped vegetables.
- Chill for 3 to 4 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with diced avocado and/or micro greens, if desired, before serving.
References
- The Watermelon Board. Summer 2023 Consumer Research. Accessed Aug 2, 2024. Available from https://www.watermelon.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/NWPB2023ConsumerResearchsm.pdf
- The Packer Staff. Fresh Trends 2023: Just how popular is watermelon among U.S. consumers? July 14, 2023. Accessed Aug 2, 2024. Available from https://www.thepacker.com/news/retail/fresh-trends-2023-just-how-popular-watermelon-among-us-consumers.
