The berry is a juicy fruit with a thin peel and a large number of seeds. If the plant has flesh, and inside - a lot of seeds, it is considered a berry (such as gooseberries, currants).
Interesting fact: berry is also considered eggplant, zucchini, tomato.
Why is a watermelon a berry?
After analyzing the main signs of a watermelon, the botanists concluded that this is a berry. Rather, it refers to a subspecies, which is called "pumpkin".
Interesting fact: iron, folic acid, fructose - not a complete list of all the nutrients that watermelon contains.
Distinctive features of watermelon
Watermelon is a plant of the melon family. The homeland is considered South Africa. There are 3 types:
- Wild watermelon. Distributed in the arid climate of Australia, Africa and Afghanistan.
- Stern watermelon.
- Table watermelon is the most famous and beloved. The shape resembles a ball or cylinder. The color is different, from jade to pale green. A characteristic pattern (spots, mesh) is another distinguishing feature. Has a juicy red pulp, very useful.
Interesting facts about watermelon:
- Until the beginning of the XVII century, berries were brought from Africa, and only very wealthy nobles and the royal family could afford such a delicacy.
- For a long time, fresh watermelon was not consumed. He was soaked, and generously sprinkled with hot spices.
- Translated from Persian, watermelon means "big cucumber."
- The berry has the ability to accumulate nitrates.If you grow watermelon using chemical fertilizers, there is a high probability of getting poisoning with typical signs in the form of diarrhea, severe pain in the stomach, and vomiting.
- The most ancient image of a watermelon, archaeologists have found at the foot of the Egyptian pyramids. Scientists are sure that this plant was placed in a tomb to the pharaohs, and it was valued just like precious metals.
Useful properties of watermelon
Watermelon berry is widely used in medicine. It has the following properties:
- antipyretic;
- diuretic;
- laxatives;
- choleretic;
- general strengthening;
Stimulates the work of the intestines, enhances the work of the kidneys, bladder. Magnesium and iron, which are part of the berry, cleanse the blood, normalize the gastrointestinal tract. Doctors recommend consuming watermelon as often as possible for people suffering from anemia, with liver disease, the presence of kidney stones and the genitourinary system.
Watermelon is an amazing gift of nature. Due to the high water content, the berry saved travelers from thirst. This plant became widely known on Slavic lands. Most often, watermelons are eaten fresh, but they are often pickled and soaked.
Watermelon is unpretentious in leaving. It does well without water, good soil, but has a weakness for sunlight. The berry will not ripen unless you get enough sun. The high content of glucose in a watermelon is precisely the merit of natural heat. In addition, this “striped ball” has a lot of water, more than 80%. And few people have doubts: watermelon is a berry!
