anguria

Anguria is the Italian term for the watermelon, the fruit of Citrullus lanatus, a sprawling annual vine in the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit is a large berry with a thick rind and sweet, juicy flesh. Flesh color can be red, pink, yellow, or white; most varieties are seeded, but seedless types exist.

Origin and history: The plant originated in Africa and has been cultivated for millennia. Domestication occurred in northeastern Africa and the Nile Valley, with ancient Egypt among early centers of production. From the Mediterranean and Asia it spread worldwide, and modern breeding has produced many cultivars with different rind and flesh colors and seedless options.

Cultivation: Watermelons require warm temperatures and a long growing season. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Vines spread and need space; harvest is typically in midsummer in temperate regions when the rind is firm and the flesh is sweet.

Nutrition and uses: Watermelon is about 90–92% water and relatively low in calories. It supplies vitamin C and vitamin A precursors and lycopene in red-fleshed varieties. It is commonly eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, beverages, or desserts; the rind is occasionally pickled or cooked in some cuisines.

Production: Globally, leading producers include China, Turkey, India, Iran, and the United States, with watermelons grown for fresh consumption in many warm climates.