watermelon slice on white ceramic plate

National Watermelon Day

August 3

When is National Watermelon Day?

National Watermelon Day happens on Saturday August 3, 2024.

National Watermelon Day: A Celebration of the Juiciest Fruit There Is

National Watermelon Day is a special day to celebrate one of the tastiest and most refreshing fruits there is: watermelon! This juicy fruit has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries, and there’s no better time to enjoy it than on a hot summer day. Let’s take a closer look at this delicious fruit and find out everything there is to know about it.

What Is Watermelon?

Watermelon is a member of the cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cantaloupe, honeydew, and other melons. It is a round or oval-shaped fruit with a green or yellow rind and bright red flesh. The flesh is full of tiny black seeds that are edible. Watermelons can weigh anywhere from 6 to 18 pounds (2.7 to 8.2 kg) and measure up to 3 feet (91 cm) in length.

Watermelons are over 90% water by weight, which is why they are so refreshing to eat on a hot day. They are also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.

History of Watermelon

The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Watermelons were often depicted in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics, and they were also found in the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

Watermelons eventually made their way to China, where they were being cultivated for food by the 10th century. From China, watermelons spread to other parts of Asia and then to Africa. It is thought that traders or explorers then brought watermelons to Europe and the Americas.

Types of Watermelons

There are many different types of watermelons available today, including seedless varieties. Some of the most popular types include:

  • Crimson Sweet: This is a round watermelon with dark green stripes and deep red flesh. It has a sweet flavor with just a hint of tartness.
  • Sugar Baby: As its name suggests, this watermelon is particularly sweet with firm, dark pink flesh. It is small in size, weighing only 6-8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg).
  • Yellow Flesh Honeydew: This type of watermelon has green skin with yellow or white stripes running down it. The flesh is pale yellow in color and very sweet with a honey-like flavor.

Whether you enjoy it as a standalone snack or use it to create a refreshing summertime drink like a Watermelon Lemonade, there’s no denying that watermelons are delicious! So make sure you pick up one (or two) from your local grocery store on National Watermelon Day and enjoy this healthy treat!

When does National Watermelon Day happen next year?

National Watermelon Day will happen on the following upcoming dates:

  • Sunday August 3, 2025
  • Monday August 3, 2026
  • Tuesday August 3, 2027
  • Thursday August 3, 2028
  • Friday August 3, 2029

Topics

Share on Social Media

#nationalwatermelonday

What are we celebrating this week?

Sign up for our email newsletter to know which special days we'll be celebrating each week.

We'll treat your email just like Grandma's secret recipe - we'll treasure it and we won't share it with anyone.

Copyright © 2024 National Day Food
Made with in Indiana.

Affiliate Link Disclosure