Anna Sara Hill, Horticulture Extension Agent
One taste closely correlated with summertime here in the Southeast is a juicy, sweet watermelon! July is National Watermelon Month. Have you ever wondered where that mouthwatering tasty treat originated?
The answer to that question lies in Africa, where wild types still grow like weeds today. Like modern-day watermelons, these melons are full of water, and some have a similar colored green rind, but that is where the resemblance ends. Instead of red flesh, they have pale yellow, almost white to light green flesh that tastes bitter and is much smaller in size. Some even have fuzz-covered rinds. Debates have been ongoing for decades regarding which one of the native African wildtypes is the actual ancestor of modern-day watermelons and which African region is the exact gene center. The point that everyone agrees on is that the original melons were used and eventually cultivated as essential water sources.
The first record of cultivated watermelons in Egypt was between 3,500 and 4,000 years ago. Watermelon seeds, leaves, and paintings have been found in many Egyptian tombs, including King Tut’s. A DNA sample taken from one of those leaves indicates the melon had sweet flesh and contained lycopene, which is responsible for its red color. Based on this exciting discovery and other research, scientists have concluded that ancient Egyptians developed watermelons similar to modern-day ones.
Over the years, watermelons spread along the Mediterranean and other trade routes in India and China during the 7th and 10th centuries, respectively. It is speculated that the spread was aided by travelers using them as a water source for long-distance travel. Greek and Roman physicians utilized them for their medicinal properties. During the 13th century, the Moors introduced watermelons to the Iberian Peninsula, and from there, they spread into southern Europe.
The earliest report of watermelons being grown in the United States was in Florida in 1576. Fast forward to 1938, when Charles Fredrick Andrus was with USDA. ARS, US Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston, started breeding watermelons for increased sweetness and disease resistance. He released the classic Charleston Grey watermelon in 1954. Since then, researchers have continued to develop new, improved varieties. Recently, disease resistance has been increased by successfully grafting watermelon plants onto disease-resistant squash rootstocks.
The seedless watermelon was first developed in Japan in 1939. However, in the beginning, no countries were interested in growing them. Finally 1985, seedless watermelons gained a 1% foothold in the American Fresh Watermelon Market through the persistence of one man, Dr. Ori Eigsti, who touted they were sweeter and crispier than seeded watermelons. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that seedless watermelons became popular due to their small size, lighter weight, and ease of eating without the hassle of seeds. By 2012, 92% of the U.S. watermelon market had seedless watermelons.
In 2021, the US was ranked as the 8th largest producer of watermelons worldwide, and SC the 8th highest producer within the U.S.. In 2023, SC Grower reported Bamberg County as the top watermelon producer in the state. The county grew 1,297 acres, which was slightly more than half the total watermelon acreage reported for S.C. (SC Grower report, 2023).
As you eat that delicious watermelon slice, please take a moment to reflect on how far watermelons have traveled across the centuries and the transformations they have undergone from a wild, bitter weed to a cultivated, easy-to-eat, delightful, and refreshing treat. Tempted to eat a second slice? Go ahead! Watermelons are low in calories and high in vitamins and nutrients.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status, and is an equal opportunity employer.
