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In August, watermelon celebrates its holiday – a healthy and tasty berry that is grown all over the world. China is one of the main exporters, and Americans, especially Hispanics, are the main consumers.
Watermelon Day originated in the United States, where it is called National Watermelon Day.
We tell you when and why this delicious holiday was invented and how we will celebrate it in 2022.
When is Watermelon Day celebrated in Our Country and in the world
Watermelon Day is celebrated every year 3 Augustand 2022 will be no exception. Although this date is considered to be common for all countries, celebrations can take place at other times. For example, in Astrakhan, the watermelon “capital” of Our Country, this holiday was celebrated in different years on September 15, September 17. In Sol-Iletsk (Orenburg region) – August 23.
History
It is believed that the first watermelon appeared in South Africa. On this continent, you can still find wild berries that grow without human help. True, the fruits are not so big, sweet and tasty. Wild watermelon is small and bitter, and the modern look we are used to is the result of long selection.
This berry and its use in food takes its history in ancient times. Watermelon was cultivated as a cultivated plant in ancient Egypt. Finds confirm that already in the XX century BC. watermelons were placed in the tombs during the burial of the pharaohs (for example, the seeds were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun). Mentions of this berry can be found in ancient papyri, seen on the walls of tombs and heard in myths.
Over time, the popularity of watermelon has increased, he “captured” entire cities and countries. Since the XNUMXth century, references to watermelon can be found in Chinese sources – it came here on merchant ships. To this day, China grows the largest number of striped fruits in the world.
In the United States, the spread of this culture falls on the 1615th century – at this time, colonists brought watermelon to the mainland. According to John Mariani’s Dictionary of American Food and Drink, the word “watermelon” first appeared in an English dictionary in XNUMX. In a few centuries, it will be the Americans who will establish World Watermelon Day.
The exact date of the appearance of watermelon in Our Country and Europe is unknown. Some researchers point to the XI-XII centuries, and someone – to the XIII-XIV. We can only say with certainty that at that time watermelon was an expensive delicacy, available only to rich people. They began to grow independently in Our Country only in the XNUMXth century in the most suitable region for this – Astrakhan. At that time, the fruits were not eaten in a “raw” form, but more often they made molasses with spices and allspice. Watermelons became widespread among the people during the reign of Peter I. Now they are grown not only in Astrakhan, but also in the Volgograd and Orenburg regions, as well as in many dachas throughout the country.
Holiday traditions
The main tradition of Watermelon Day is festivals. Such events are most popular in the United States, we have them in some cities famous for watermelon fishing.
For example, in Sol-Iletsk, a colorful parade takes place on this day, which focuses on the Queen of watermelons and her retinue. A new queen is chosen every year, and her retinue dress up in funny costumes. At the festival, you can find not only dishes prepared from the “hero of the occasion”, but also play (for example, checkers with the help of watermelons and melons – who will win?), practice throwing fruits and much more. You can buy knitted hats in the form of watermelons, slippers and handbags. And, of course, to participate in the competition “watermelon glutton”!
In Astrakhan, the holiday is no less fun. In addition to tastings, games and competitions, you can participate in master classes, choose the sweetest watermelon and have fun as your heart desires.
Useful properties of watermelon
Watermelon is a healthy berry, 92% water. It includes many important elements such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, folic acid and antioxidants. When we eat watermelon, we help our body to strengthen the immune system, maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system and form red blood cells. The high content of useful elements contributes to the proper functioning of digestion, the cardiovascular system and the whole organism as a whole.
An important property of watermelon is the cleansing of the body. The plant has a strong diuretic effect and is recommended for certain diseases.
By the way
Despite the fact that most of us imagine watermelon as a large, round, green-striped fruit with red flesh, it does not look the same in all countries.
The greatest variety in cultivation is achieved in Japan. Local farmers give watermelons square, triangular and other shapes. Here they even brought out berries of a very modest size compared to the original – up to 10 cm in diameter.
In addition, now there are fruits with yellow and white flesh, various external colors and even without seeds – the dream of many!