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National Watermelon Month celebrates the iconic summer fruit throughout July. This juicy, hydrating treat is a staple for picnics, barbecues, and hot days. Explore new recipes, find local events, and share your favorite watermelon moments.
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History of National Watermelon Month
National Watermelon Month came into existence in 2007 when a resolution was submitted by the senate to the U.S. Congress. The resolution was accepted, and July was designated as the official Watermelon Month. The aim was to raise production and sales of the fruit all over the country. Today, watermelon is a crucial agricultural sector in America as it is produced in 49 states, and is sold and consumed in 50 states. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 2006 alone, the U.S. produced a whopping 4,200,000,000 pounds of watermelon! Now, that is a lot of watermelons. The National Watermelon Association, which is a membership trade, is another organization that is dedicated to creating positive changes and growth in the industry. It has chapters all over America and Canada.
Given its track record on sales and production, we know that watermelon is extremely popular among the masses, but did you know that it has gone through extreme evolution to come to the stage it is in today? That’s right, earlier records show that watermelons from the ancient era were not as fleshy or as red as the watermelons today. It was through seasoned farmers’ efforts that watermelons started changing. If we were to start at a particular point, the earliest records show that watermelon may have originated in ancient Egypt in 2000 B.C. In fact, some watermelon seeds were also found in King Tut’s tomb. Eventually, watermelon found its way to the Middle East and the rest of Asia. Trading routes and growing civilizations and globalization led to watermelon being taken to China and India during the 7th century. It would take another 10 centuries for watermelon to reach North-, South-, and Central America. The watermelon fruit has had quite a journey all over the planet.
National Watermelon Month timeline
Watermelons appear and are discovered in southern Africa for the first time.
Egyptians grow and cultivate watermelons to make the fruit a part of their everyday diet.
Moors take the watermelon fruit to Europe, where it is considered a minor garden crop.
The first watermelon crops are grown in Florida after it has been brought to America by the slave trade.
National Watermelon Month FAQs
When is National Watermelon Month?
National Watermelon Month 2026 runs throughout July, from Wednesday, July 1, to Friday, July 31. It’s the perfect time to enjoy this quintessential summer fruit.
How much of a watermelon is water?
Watermelon is famously hydrating, consisting of approximately 92% water by weight. This makes it an excellent choice for staying refreshed during the hot summer days of July.
How much watermelon is consumed in the US?
Americans consume a significant amount of watermelon, with average per capita consumption often exceeding 15 pounds annually. July is a peak month for this refreshing fruit.
What are the health benefits of watermelon?
Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, and contains lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health and cancer prevention. Its high water content also aids hydration and electrolyte balance.
How To Celebrate National Watermelon Month
Enjoy a cold watermelon
The month of July has its fair share of festivities including the Fourth of July. This means that you may be spending long hours of your day outdoors in the heat. But don’t worry, as you can cool down by enjoying a bowl of fresh watermelon.
Try a watermelon steak
July also happens to be the month of grilling. If you are looking to up your grilling food game, you can find a watermelon steak recipe and prepare it on the grill. If you are not a fan of grilling, you can always cook the watermelon on your stove or bake it in the oven.
Have a seed spitting contest
Watermelons have some of the most distinct seeds of all fruits. You can organize a seed-spitting contest with your friends and family, and see who is the best at this specialized skill.
5 Facts About Watermelon That Will Blow Your Mind
Watermelons are considered a fruit and vegetable
While it is true that watermelons are created using the pollination method that all fruits go through, many gardeners also consider watermelons as vegetables because they are part of the botanical family of gourds.
Watermelons have 1,200 varieties
Watermelons come in over 1,200 varieties, and each is divided into four categories: seeded, seedless, yellow/orange, and icebox.
The heaviest watermelon
Chris Kent of Tennessee holds the world record for growing the heaviest watermelon, which weighed around 350.5 pounds.
Seedless watermelons are natural
Contrary to popular belief, seedless watermelons occur naturally due to years of evolution.
Watermelon is actually a berry
The watermelon is actually a type of berry called pepo, and this variety has a harder outer rind with a softer inner flesh.
Why We Love National Watermelon Month
It’s a celebration of watermelons
Watermelons are a great source of food. They are hydrating and help to get rid of muscle cramps. Moreover, they have no fat or cholesterol, are high in fiber, and are packed with vitamin C. It is an all-rounder.
It’s a celebration of freshness
In the muggy and humid weather of July, people are on the constant lookout for things to cool themselves off with, and watermelon can help you with just that. Whether you choose to have it cubed with other summer fruits or juice it, it doesn’t matter because you will be getting a dose of much-needed refreshment.
It’s a celebration of summer
We wouldn’t have been able to appreciate the goodness of watermelon without summer. This season may have us rushing towards shade, but it also gives us the amazing fruit that is watermelon.
