What makes watermelon sweet?
In this brief article, we will provide you with the answer to the question: “What makes watermelon sweet?”, discuss how to pick watermelon and share some tips for watermelon consumption. We will also talk about watermelon origins.
What makes watermelon sweet?
Watermelon naturally includes fructose, a form of sugar that delivers the sweetness we all know and love. Heat and sun exposure improves ripening and fruit sweetness.
Fructose, often known as fruit sugar, is a simple ketonic monosaccharide present in many plants. It is frequently combined with glucose to produce the disaccharide sucrose.
A single cup of watermelon has around 9.5 grams of sugar, the majority of which is fructose but also includes sucrose and glucose. Watermelon, like any other food, can be consumed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Despite this, watermelon contains a lot of water, making it a fruit with a low sugar content. Besides that, arginine is a chemical found in watermelon that increases the pace of insulin in the body, minimizing diabetes complications. Furthermore, minerals like potassium and magnesium are necessary for the appropriate distribution of insulin throughout the body.
How to pick sweet watermelons?
This fruit includes a wide array of indicators that determine whether it is green or ripe, sweet or bland. Here we will teach you how to identify the best watermelons
Take a look at the stains on the watermelon rind
Begin by inspecting the watermelon’s bottom. If the stain is very white or if there is no stain, it might indicate that the watermelon was harvested when it was still green (not tasting as good). If the watermelon has a larger yellowish mark, this is a positive sign: it signifies it ripened on the ground for a longer period of time.
Give it a thump
Tap the fruit lightly with the tips of your fingers. If the rind of your watermelon is mushy, it may indicate that the fruit is overripe.
Analyze the size
Just because watermelon is larger does not imply it is of higher quality. In general, medium-sized watermelons are the best. Another thing to consider is the form of the watermelon since usually, watermelons with an elongated form contain more water, while watermelons with a more rounder form are often sweeter.
Analyze the stem of the watermelon
If the stem of the fruit is dry, it means the watermelon is ripe. If the watermelon stem is green, it means that it has not yet completed its ripening process.
Tips for consumption of watermelon
Before cutting the watermelon, thoroughly wash the rind with drinking water. The full fruit may be stored at room temperature for many days without losing quality. Keep the fruit refrigerated after chopped. Covering the fruit pulp with plastic wrap prevents it from drying or changing texture.
If you want to buy watermelon that has already been peeled and diced and is ready to eat, keep in mind that it must be put in closed containers and placed on refrigerated shelves. The packages must be placed in an ice bath. The pieces should appear thick and solid.
Other portions of the watermelon can be utilized in addition to the pulp. Because peels and seeds are rich in fiber, minerals, and bioactive substances, reusing fruit wastes and byproducts is a major topic in the nutrition world. In certain circumstances, in greater quantities than in the pulp.
The inner peel of watermelon might be highlighted as a meal with a high level of insoluble fiber. The flour made from watermelon rinds is used to flavor baked goods and pasta. Watermelon peel is also used in the manufacturing of desserts, jams, and pickles.
What is the origin of watermelon?
Watermelon probably originated in Africa and has been farmed for over four millennia. Watermelon spread from Egypt to all nations around the Mediterranean Sea, delivered by commercial ships. The Spaniards introduced it to America, where it immediately became popular.
The culture thrives in climates with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 35°C. Despite the inclination for warmer weather, it is possible to grow it in temperatures as high as 15 degrees Celsius.
The fruits grow from blossoms that barely last a day. They bloom in the morning and fade in the afternoon. Only fruit is produced with the aid of pollinating insects such as bees. As a result, it’s a good idea to have some bee boxes near the plantation.
Watermelon is sensitive to illnesses and pests, thus cultivation must be done with caution. As a result, healthy seeds, irrigation, and fertilization control are required to prevent the onslaught of these pests and diseases, hence preventing output losses.
Watermelon farming also employs the usage of chemicals. However, it should only be used under the supervision of an agronomic and only when absolutely essential.
Other FAQs about Watermelon that you may be interested in.
Can you eat black watermelon seeds?
Can watermelon go off in the fridge?
Why does watermelon make you burp?
Conclusion
In this brief article, we provided you with the answer to the question: “What makes watermelon sweet?”, discussed how to pick watermelon and shared some tips for watermelon consumption. We also talked about watermelon origins.
References
VIX. “4 motivos para comer melancia que te tornarão mais fã da fruta do que a Magali”. Acessado 10 de fevereiro de 2022. https://www.vix.com/pt/bdm/saude/4-motivos-para-comer-melancia-que-te-tornarao-mais-fa-da-fruta-do-que-a-magali.
