National Watermelon Day is a non-official American holiday celebrated on August 3rd, during which people can enjoy the juicy summer staple, the watermelon. On this holiday, people can enjoy this fruit in various ways. After all, it is one of the most refreshing summer fruits available today.

History

No one really knows when National Watermelon Day was established. Some believe it was started by watermelon farmers, while others think it was a creation of the National Watermelon Board. However, the history of the watermelon itself is much easier to pin down.

Biologists and botanists believe that the modern watermelon can be traced back to a vine-like plant that grew wild in southern Africa. It has been cultivated by indigenous people since at least the second millennium BC.

From that auspicious beginning, the modern watermelon spread through Asia over the next thousand years and eventually made its way into southern Europe by the tenth century.

It was then introduced to the New World by European settlers and African slaves in the sixteenth century. By the seventeenth century, it was a commonly grown staple throughout much of the southern United States. Today, watermelons are grown in almost every state in the U.S.

In fact, there are only about six states where watermelons aren’t grown commercially. The states that produce the most watermelons are California, Arizona, Georgia, Texas, and Florida.

Watermelon Facts

Watermelons are mostly water. About 91% of a watermelon by volume is made up of water. The seeds and rind of the watermelon are edible. Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable.

Customs, Traditions, and Celebrations

There is only one real way to enjoy National Watermelon Day, and that is to go out to your local grocery store and buy one. Watermelons are not only a refreshing summer snack but are also naturally healthy.