Ed Cinquemani, age 8, of Marion, Ohio, for his question:
WHERE DID WATERMELONS FIRST GROW?
Watermelons first grew in Africa and were found in southern Asia in early times. It didn't take too long for these sweet tasting fruits to be accepted in Europe and, finally, in North America.
Watermelons became plentiful and popular in the Massachusetts Bay Colony as early as 1629. At first the fruit was considered strictly a luxury food.
By 1673, watermelons grew abundantly all along the Mississippi River. Indians were quick to accept them and in the early 1700s they planted them on the land all along the Colorado River.
Although the watermelon is grown as far north as Canada, it is primarily a warm season crop. Naturally, the watermelons grow best in warmer climates. Leading watermelon growing states in the United States at the present time are Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and South Carolina.
The melons grow best in shady, moist soils. The vine has many blooms, but only a few of these produce watermelons. The vines are very long: from 12 to 15 feet. Because of the long vines, plants should be spaced from eight to 10 feet apart.
For the best flavor, the fruit should not be picked until it is fully ripe, which will occur 80 to 90 days after planting, depending on the variety. Watermelons average from 20 to 25 pounds, although some may weigh as much as 60 pounds.
The melons may be round, oblong or oval. Color can vary from solid dark green to striped green and white, or almost all white. The skin of the recently developed "midget" watermelon turns golden yellow when it is ripe.
Most varieties are ripe when the rind gets very hard and the fruit sounds hollow when you tap it.
Ninety three percent of the watermelon is water. The fruit has a hard outer shell called a "rind" that encloses the pulp.
The watermelon is related to the pumpkin, squash and musk melon. And, you may be surprised to learn, it is even related to the cucumber.
As a watermelon ripens, the color of the pulp turns from white to pink and finally to a rich red. The sweetness also increases during the ripening period.
The seeds found in the pulp may be white, brown or black.
Scientists have produced many varieties of watermelon. Bantam sized melons weigh between five and 10 pounds and giant ones may weigh more than 100 pounds.
One of the newest types of melons available on the market is the seedless watermelon.