Nangong Watermelon

Nangong Watermelon

　　Nangong Watermelon

　　Watermelon is one of the main fruits of summer. When ripe, in addition to containing a high amount of water, the flesh generally has a sugar content of 5–12%, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The sweetness increases in the later stages of ripening due to the rise in sucrose. It does not contain starch, and its sweetness may decrease during post-harvest storage as disaccharides break down into monosaccharides. The seeds can be used as tea snacks, and the rind can be processed into watermelon jam. In traditional Chinese medicine, both the juice and rind are used medicinally for their cooling and heat-relieving properties.

　　Known as the "king of melons," it is called watermelon because it was introduced from the Western Regions during the Han Dynasty. Watermelon also belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is an annual herbaceous plant native to Africa. It is now cultivated throughout China, except in a few remote and cold regions, and has a sweet taste and cooling nature.

　　Watermelon is a quintessential fruit of summer and one of the main seasonal fruits. On scorching summer days or sultry tropical nights, having chilled watermelon can have a refreshing and cooling effect.