An Article about Watermelon Seeds

Some of the different pulp varieties. Source: NCSU

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) originates from southern Africa and is believed to have been domesticated at least 4,000 years ago. In 2009, world production of watermelon totaled about 98 million metric tons (FAOSTAT). "Fruits vary considerably in morphology. Whereas the fruits of the wild Kalahari form are small and round, the cultivated forms are large oblong fruits. In addition, they vary from pale yellow or light green (wild form) to dark green (cultivars), and with or without stripes; the pulp varies from yellow or green (wild forms) to dark red (cultivars) (Jeffrey 1978)."

Diversity in watermelon fruit shape and color. Source: NCSU

The following article, published in Slate, explains why the watermelon variety most commonly eaten in the U.S. has white and black seeds.

What's With White Watermelon Seeds?  

(Read after the break)