📝 Description

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a large, hydrating summer fruit celebrated for its crisp texture, ruby-red flesh, and naturally sweet, refreshing taste. With ~92% water, it’s a thirst-quenching choice for hot days and an excellent low-calorie snack for the whole family. Rich in lycopene (the antioxidant that gives watermelon its red color), plus vitamin C and potassium, it supports everyday wellness, post-workout hydration, and skin health. Enjoy it fresh as slices, blended into juices and smoothies, tossed into salads, or churned into light sorbets.

🌍 Origin of the product

Watermelon traces its ancestral origin to Africa, but it is now grown across warm regions worldwide. In India, it’s cultivated widely in states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, ensuring excellent seasonal availability and farm-fresh quality. Indian-grown watermelons are prized for their sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color—perfect for home consumption, parties, and healthy desserts.

🍽️ Nutrition Table (Per 100g)

Note: Values are approximate; natural variation occurs by variety and season.

👩‍🍳 Cooking Method (Healthy Recipes)

🥗 Recipe 1: Watermelon–Mint Hydration Salad

Ingredients: 3 cups watermelon cubes, 1 cup cucumber (diced), 2 tbsp fresh mint (chopped), juice of 1 lime, a pinch of black salt, optional: 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds.

Method:

1. Combine watermelon, cucumber, and mint in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle a pinch of black salt.
3. Toss gently; top with roasted seeds for crunch. Serve chilled.

Why it’s healthy: Low-calorie, hydrating, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants; great for heat and post-workout recovery.

🥤 Recipe 2: Watermelon Basil Cooler (No Added Sugar)

Ingredients: 4 cups watermelon chunks (chilled), 6–8 fresh basil leaves, 1 tsp lemon juice, a few ice cubes; optional: a pinch of pink salt.

Method:

1. Blend watermelon with basil and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Strain if desired; add ice and a tiny pinch of salt to enhance natural sweetness.
3. Serve immediately as a refreshing, electrolyte-friendly drink.

Why it’s healthy: Hydration-forward, antioxidant-rich, naturally sweet—no refined sugar required.

🧊 Storage Instructions

🏠 Whole Fruit

• Store at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Whole watermelons keep well for 5–7 days (sometimes longer depending on ripeness).
• For best sweetness and texture, do not refrigerate whole fruit for extended periods; chill only a few hours before serving.

🥣 Cut or Sliced

• Refrigerate in an airtight container (or wrap tightly) at ≤ 4°C.
• Consume within 2–4 days for optimal freshness.
• Always keep cut surfaces covered to prevent drying and fridge odors.

🥶 Freezing (For Smoothies/Sorbets)

• Remove rind, cube the flesh, spread on a tray to pre-freeze, then transfer to freezer bags.
• Best used within 2–3 months for smoothies, granitas, or popsicles.

🧺 Handling Tips

• Rinse the rind before cutting to avoid transferring surface dirt to the flesh.
• Use clean knives and boards; refrigerate leftovers promptly.