How to recognize a good watermelon?
Watermelons in Spain are some of the tastiest in the world. Their season lasts from May to September, and many of them come from the Murcia region - famous for growing the best fruit in the country.
How to recognize a good watermelon? Pay attention to the color of the peel - it should be intensely green, and the places where it touches the ground should be matt. When you touch the watermelon, it should be firm and heavy, which means it is juicy and fresh. It is also worth checking whether there is any rot or damage to the skin.
The history of watermelon in Spain dates back to the ancient Romans, who brought it to the Iberian Peninsula. The inhabitants of Spain quickly fell in love with this fruit and began to cultivate it. Today, watermelons are a permanent element of Spanish cuisine and beyond - they are popular all over the world. However, not only Spaniards love these juicy fruits. One day, an Arab merchant in Egypt heard about the famous Spanish watermelons and decided to try their taste. Unfortunately, his attempt to bring the watermelon to Cairo failed and the fruit rotted during transport. However, the merchant decided not to give up and bought an entire field of watermelons in Spain. Before he left for Egypt, he taught local farmers how to prevent rot during transportation. Thanks to this, Spanish watermelons reached Cairo and quickly gained popularity in Egypt and throughout the Arab world. So, if you're a watermelon fan, be sure to try some Spanish during your visit to the Costa Blanca - you certainly won't be disappointed!
Watermelons are not only tasty, but also very healthy. Due to their water content (over 90%) and minerals such as potassium and magnesium, they are a great way to hydrate the body. Additionally, watermelons contain the valuable antioxidant lycopene, which can protect against heart disease and cancer. To recognize a good watermelon, there are a few things you should pay attention to. Firstly, it is important that the rind is uneven and has spots and lumps on its surface - this means that the watermelon has had the right amount of sun and water. Another important indicator is the stem - it should be dry, which indicates that the watermelon is ripe. To check whether a watermelon is sweet, just make an incision and taste the flesh. And now an interesting fact - according to Spanish tradition, if you want to unite with other people, you should cut a watermelon in half and share it with your loved ones. Many Spanish cities organize watermelon festivals, during which you can try different varieties of this delicious fruit.