|
The big round or oval fruits
have a thick rind and a fleshy center, usually with many dark brown to black seeds.
The fruits has a green and yellow color on the outside. The flesh inside is
usually red, but color variations include type with yellow or orange flesh.
Fruits can weigh from 2 to 20 kilos, depending on the variety.
Fresh watermelon may be eaten in a variety of ways and is also often used to
flavor summer drinks and smoothies.
Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight.
As with many other fruits, it is a source of vitamin C. It is not a significant
source of other vitamins and minerals.
The amino acid citrulline was first extracted from watermelon and analysed.
Watermelons contain a significant amount of citrulline and after consumption of
several kg an elevated concentration is measured in the blood plasma;
this could be mistaken for citrullinaemia or other urea cycle disorder.
Watermelon rinds are also edible, and sometimes used as a vegetable.
|
