The biggest berry on the planet is, of course, a watermelon. His homeland is South Africa. However, today watermelons are grown in 96 countries. In Russia, they were initially considered overseas delicacies and prepared in a special way. The first thing they were cleaned, cut into slices and soaked for a long time. Then they were cooked with spices and pepper. Thus, its original taste and most beneficial substances were lost.
The largest berry can reach 120 kilograms of weight. Such a record was set by watermelons of the Carolina Cross variety.
In addition to the fact that these huge berries are very tasty, they are also healthy. They contain pectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, salts of phosphorus, iron and zinc. Doctors recommend using them for diseases of the kidneys, gall bladder, liver, anemia. Cellulose contained in watermelon in large quantities normalizes intestinal function and significantly improves digestion.
Watermelon pulp contains a lot of easily digestible sugars and delicate dietary fiber. This helps to remove cholesterol from the body. The largest berry is 92 percent water. Regular use of this fluid helps get rid of hypertension, atherosclerosis, gout, rheumatism, arthritis.
Watermelon pulp is replete with antioxidants and lycopene. These substances protect a person from diseases of the heart and prostate gland. In addition, they have a beneficial effect on the skin.
This wonderful berry has unique properties. Her juice is an excellent remedy for headaches and migraines. In this case, it is necessary to drink it in small sips. The pain quickly and permanently recedes. Watermelon pulp is used for facial skin care. To do this, gauze folded several times is impregnated with watermelon juice and pulp and applied to the face.
As a rule, the frozen berry of any varieties is well stored, practically without losing its taste and usefulness. However, storing watermelon in this way is not recommended. If you want to try this juicy berry for the New Year, then proceed as follows. In the fall, buy a fruit (about 4 kilograms). Wash and wipe dry. Put it in a net and hang it in a dark, cool place. It is very important that the watermelon does not come into contact with anything.
The biggest berry can be a mystery to an inexperienced buyer. Buying a whole watermelon, you can purchase a low-quality or unripe product. Here are a few rules to help you figure out the quality and buy what you need:
- try to choose a fruit of medium size. It should not be too big or, conversely, small;
- the spot on the side on which the fruit was lying should be yellow;
- ripe watermelon has a shiny and hard crust. Try to pierce her with a fingernail. If you can do it easily, then the watermelon is not ripe;
- rub the crust and then smell it. If it smells of freshly cut grass, the watermelon is not ripe;
- If possible, throw a watermelon into the water. If it comes up - you can safely buy - a ripe watermelon.
Today in the world there are about 1200 varieties of watermelons. Seedless fruits are grown in Israel. They are very popular in Canada and the USA.