How Many Types Of Watermelon Are There?
Watermelons come in all shapes and sizes, from the small and round types to the large, oblong-shaped ones. And within these categories, there are many different types of watermelon. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common types of watermelon and their unique characteristics.
There are more than 1000 types of watermelon, but the types are categorized into five main types: seedless, yellow-fleshed, orange-fleshed, pink-fleshed, and ivory-fleshed.
The Ivory-Fleshed Types
Although there isn’t a distinct ivory flesh color in some types of watermelon, there are types of watermelon that have very light-colored flesh. Although they aren’t actually ivory in color, the “Ivory” types have almost white flesh. These types of watermelon are naturally sweet and low in acid content. This type includes the Ambrosia, Dasheri, Kareli, and Rosa types.
The Yellow-Fleshed Types
Yellow types of watermelon are rich in carotenoids which contain beta carotene, the pigment that gives the watermelon its yellow color. Some yellow types of watermelon include Charleston Gray, Orangeglo, and Yellow Baby. The watermelons with yellow types of flesh are rich in beta carotene and Vitamin A.
The Orange-Fleshed Types
Generally, types of watermelon with orange types of flesh have a more acidic taste than watermelon with yellow types of flesh. The types of watermelon with orange types of flesh include the Shan Star, Tiger Baby Hybrid, and Coyote types.
The Pink-Fleshed Types
Watermelon with pink flesh is extremely sweet, containing very little acid. Some examples of the types of watermelon with pink flesh include Jubilee, California Blush, Crimson Sweet, and SugarBaby Hybrid. The watermelons in this category are rich in Vitamin C and lycopene, a phytochemical said to fight cancer.
The Seed-Type Types
The types of watermelon with dark green rinds often have black or brown seeds. The flesh inside can be either pink or red, depending on the type of watermelon. Some examples include Crimson Sweet, Crimson Treat, Hale’s Best Jumbo, and Jubilee Red Flesh types of watermelon.
So, how many types of watermelon are there? There are more than five types of watermelon, and if you’re interested in learning about them, check out all the different varieties available at your local grocery store. If you feel like getting adventurous and growing your own types of watermelons, you can check out local garden centers and nurseries for starter plants to grow in your own backyard.
Care should be taken with both the seeds and the vines of watermelon. The seeds should not contact any other type of melon or cucumber, as cross-pollination will produce undesirable fruit. Watermelons are sensitive to the cold, so it is best to plant them in early spring after all frost is gone.
One bite of watermelon, and you can see why it’s worth the extra work to grow your own, though. Whether you prefer seedless or with seeds, all love this fruit!
Advantages of Eating Watermelon
Watermelon is a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and lycopene. It also contains potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure. Watermelon is a great source of lycopene, which fights cancer. Some research has shown that consuming watermelon may lower cancer risk and can even slow down tumor growth.
Disadvantages of Eating Watermelon
Unfortunately, there aren’t many disadvantages to eating this delicious fruit except for its relatively high sugar per serving (about 12 grams). Eating too much watermelon can cause weight gain and tooth decay.
Choosing and Storing Watermelon
For the best-tasting types of watermelon, choose a ripe one that’s heavy for its size. The surface should be dull rather than shiny, with dark brown or black seeds. To prevent watermelon from spoiling quickly, store it in the refrigerator. If you’re not planning on eating it within a couple of days, freeze the watermelon.
Ways to Grow Watermelon
Watermelon is a popular fruit that can be grown both outdoors and indoors.
Outdoor Watermelon Growing
When growing watermelon outdoors, choose a spot in your garden that receives plenty of sunlight. The soil should be rich and well-drained. Sow the seeds directly into the ground after the last frost has passed. Space the seeds about 18 inches apart, and cover them with about 1 inch of soil. Water the plants regularly and wait for the fruits to ripen.
Indoor Watermelon Growing
If you don’t have a garden or live in an area where it’s impossible to grow watermelons outdoors, you can grow them indoors. Use a container at least 12 inches deep and has at least one drainage hole. Fill the container with potting soil and sow the seeds as described above. Place watermelon seedlings in a spot where they will receive plenty of sunlight, and carefully pick out the seedlings when they’ve grown about 4 inches tall. Transplant them to larger containers as necessary until it’s time to plant them outside.
Best Time for Harvest
Watermelon is a warm-weather crop that is best harvested during the late summer or early fall. Ripe watermelons will be round with a smooth, waxy skin that’s deep green in color. The underside of the watermelon should have yellow patches when it is ripe. Harvest your watermelon on a dry day once the vines begin to die back and before bad weather hits. Use a sharp knife to harvest watermelon, and be sure to leave about 2 inches of stem on the fruit.
There are many different types of watermelon with yellow flesh, orange flesh, pink flesh or dark green rinds, and brown seeds. Some types of watermelon include Jubilee, The Crimson Sweet varieties, and Sugar Baby. There are various advantages to eating watermelons, such as high vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium content. It also has a relatively low sugar content per serving (about 12 grams), but it can cause weight gain and tooth decay if eaten in excess. There aren’t many disadvantages to eating watermelon other than the fact that it is high in sugars. Watermelons can be grown indoors and outdoors, but the best times for harvesting watermelons are late summer or early fall.
Conclusion
Watermelon is a popular fruit that can be found in many different varieties. Some of the benefits of eating watermelon include its high vitamin C, lycopene, and potassium content. It also has a relatively low sugar content per serving (about 12 grams), but it can cause weight gain and tooth decay if eaten in excess. Watermelons can be grown indoors and outdoors, but the best times for harvesting watermelons are late summer or early fall.