The
watermelon is of the Cucurbitaceae (or Gourd) family. Its origin, Africa,
was established by Dr. David Livingstone (noted missionary explorer),
in the 1850's. He found great tracts of watermelon growing wild in the
Kalahari desert of Africa. Cultivation by man dates back at least 4000
years to the Egyptians.
How to Select & Store:
Choose a watermelon symmetrical in shape without dents, bruises and cuts.
Thump, if you must (listen for dull hollow sound). Turn watermelon over.
The underside should be creamy yellow with a healthy sheen to the rind.
Store cut watermelons in refrigerator. Cover cut surface loosely with
plastic wrap. Uncut watermelons keep at room temperature for up to two
weeks.
North Carolina Watermelon Facts
North Carolina
produces about 10,000 acres of watermelon valued at over $10.6 million.
North Carolina
ranks about 7th in the nation, producing over 163 million pounds.
The
watermelon is of the Cucurbitaceae (or Gourd) family. Its origin, Africa,
was established by Dr. David Livingstone (noted missionary explorer),
in the 1850's. He found great tracts of watermelon growing wild in the
Kalahari desert of Africa. Cultivation by man dates back at least 4000
years to the Egyptians.
North Carolina
produces about 10,000 acres of watermelon valued at over $10.6 million.