National Watermelon Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Watermelon Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Watermelon Day is celebrated on August 3rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Watermelon Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you may want to know about National Watermelon Day.

📅 What day is National Watermelon Day 2024?

In 2024, National Watermelon Day is on Thursday, August 3rd. It is the 1st Thursday in August; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about August 3, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Were you aware that watermelon is composed of 92% water? It’s not surprising that it is incredibly refreshing! For thousands of years, people have been enjoying this delicious and juicy fruit, with its origins dating back to Ancient Egypt. Watermelon cultivation is believed to have started in the Nile Valley as early as the second millennium B.C. In fact, watermelon seeds were even found in King Tut’s tomb! Every year on August 3rd, we celebrate the rich history and delightful taste of watermelon with a feast called “National Watermelon Day.”

📜 National Watermelon Day History

The delicious fruit we enjoy today has been cultivated and changed over a thousand years. It all started when traders traveling through the Kalahari Desert in Africa sold watermelon seeds. From there, watermelon farming spread across Africa and eventually reached Mediterranean regions and Europe. By the end of the ninth century, watermelon farming became popular in China and the rest of Asia.

According to John Mariani’s “The Dictionary of American Food and Drink,” the English word “watermelon” was first recorded in 1615. Although watermelon is a type of melon, it does not belong to the Cucumis genus. Watermelons have a dark green rind with yellow stripes or dots. In the United States, there are over 300 varieties of watermelon, ranging in color from red to white, and coming in various shapes and sizes.

✅ National Watermelon Day Facts

🔖 Watermelons come in many varieties
Watermelon comes in various types, with approximately 1200 distinct variations. However, the four main categories are seeded, seedless, yellow, and icebox.

🔖 Watermelons can grow to be huge!
In 2013, Chris Kent from Tennessee achieved the Guinness World Record by growing the largest watermelon ever, weighing an impressive 350.5 pounds.

🔖 You can eat the entire watermelon
Watermelon rinds are often discarded, even though they contain valuable nutrients and provide numerous health benefits.

👍 Why Is National Watermelon Day Important

Did you know there are over 1,200 different types of watermelons in the world? They range in color from pink to orange, in size from huge to little, and in shape from round to square! If you ever find yourself in Japan, make sure to look for the country’s famed “cubic” watermelons.

Watermelons transcend all produce categories. They are classified as a fruit (more specifically, a berry) because they contain seeds that may be used to grow additional plants. They are, nonetheless, a vegetable since they are grown from seeds and harvested in the same manner as other vegetables. Watermelons are members of the gourd family, which also includes squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins.

Are you on a diet? Don’t be concerned! Watermelons contain 92% water, so you can eat them guilt-free while still staying hydrated on a hot summer day.

🙂 How To Observe National Watermelon Day

⚡ Play a game of Suikawari (Watermelon Splitting)
In Japan, there is a unique art form known as watermelon splitting. This art form is showcased in a game called Suikawari, which is similar to a pinata but without the treats and paper mache. In this game, participants are blindfolded, spun around three times, and then given a chance to crack open a watermelon using a wooden stick. However, instead of receiving candies or treats, they end up with watermelon splatters on their face.

⚡ Make a vodka watermelon
Watermelons have a high water content, but have you ever considered adding vodka instead of some of that water? By creating a hole in the watermelon and using a funnel, you can fill it with vodka for a fun and boozy gathering with your friends. Just be warned, the memories of what happens next might be a bit hazy.

⚡ Create a watermelon sculpture
Watermelons, like pumpkins, belong to the same family and can also be carved. You can unleash your creativity by carving a watermelon into different shapes such as a rose, a shark, or even a basket. The options for carving watermelons are boundless.

📅 When is National Watermelon Day?

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