Some of the earliest references to the
cultivation of watermelons are found in Egyptian hieroglyphics
dating back more than 5,000 years. Cultures across Africa, India,
and the Mediterranean all have records referring to the watermelon.
David Livingstone confirmed the origin of the watermelon, when he
found wild watermelon fields in Africa.
Watermelons thrive in dry areas, and they have long served a very
important purpose beyond just being a healthy part of a meal.
Watermelons are about 92 percent water, and in many dry areas of
Africa, the fruit has long been tapped and used as a water source
for both people and animals. Evidence has even been found that they
were carried by explorers as a sort of natural water bottle.
Another advantage of watermelons is that there is no waste as all of
the fruit can be eaten. Aside from the juicy flesh, the seeds can be
roasted and the rind can be made into preserves. The sweet juice
from a watermelon is used for making beer in Russia, and it can also
be used as a base for syrups.