The biggest berry on the planet is, of course, the watermelon. Its homeland is South Africa. Today, however, watermelons are grown in 96 countries. In Russia, they were originally considered an overseas delicacy and were prepared in a special way. First of all, they were cleaned, cut into slices and soaked for a long time. Then they were boiled with spices and pepper. Thus, its original taste and most of the nutrients were lost.
The largest berry can reach 120 kilograms of weight. This record was set by Carolina Cross watermelons.
Besides the fact that these huge berries are very tasty, they are also he althy. They contain pectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, s alts of phosphorus, iron and zinc. Doctors recommend using them for diseases of the kidneys, gallbladder, liver, anemia. The fiber contained in watermelon in large quantities normalizes bowel 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 consumption of this liquid helps to get rid of hypertension, atherosclerosis, gout, rheumatism, arthritis.
Watermelon pulp is replete with antioxidants and lycopene. These substances protect a person from heart and prostate diseases. In addition, they have a beneficial effect on the skin.
This miracle berry has unique properties. Its juice is an excellent remedy for headaches and migraines. In this case, it must be drunk in small sips. The pain subsides quickly and for a long time. Watermelon pulp is used for facial skin care. To do this, gauze folded several times is soaked in watermelon juice and pulp and applied to the face.
As a rule, frozen berries of any variety are well stored, practically without losing their taste and usefulness. However, watermelon storage in this way is not recommended. If you want to taste this juicy berry for the New Year, then proceed as follows. In autumn, 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 buy a low-quality or unripe product. Here are a few rules that will help you understand the quality and buy what you need:
- try to choose medium fruitquantities. It should not be too big or, conversely, small;
- the spot on the side on which the fruit lay should be yellow;
- Ripe watermelon has a shiny and hard rind. Try piercing it with your fingernail. If this is easy for you, then the watermelon is unripe;
- rub the crust and then smell it. If it smells like freshly cut grass, the watermelon is not yet ripe;
- If possible, throw a watermelon into the water. If it pops up, you can safely buy - the watermelon is ripe.
Today, there are about 1200 varieties of watermelons in the world. In Israel, seedless fruits are grown. They are hugely popular in Canada and the US.
