The weight of a watermelon is one fact that people tend to overlook. For most of us, we just see a watermelon as a giant fruit that can quench our thirst on a hot summer day. But have you ever wondered just how much a watermelon actually weighs? In this article, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about the weight of a watermelon.
Firstly, let’s start with the basics. A watermelon is a fruit, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus. It is considered one of the largest fruits in the plant kingdom and is grown in over 100 countries worldwide. Watermelons come in different sizes and shapes, ranging from small, round ones to large, oblong ones. This variety means that there is no specific weight for a watermelon, but rather a range of weights depending on their size.
To give you an idea of how much some of these sizes weigh, here are a few examples. A small watermelon, around the size of a grapefruit, would typically weigh around two pounds. A medium-sized watermelon, which is about the size of a basketball, will weigh between eight and ten pounds. Lastly, a large watermelon can weigh up to thirty pounds or more.
However, it’s worth noting that not all watermelons are created equal. There are many factors that impact the weight of a watermelon, such as the quality of the soil, climate, and the type of seed used. For instance, watermelons grown in sandy soil tend to be lighter than those grown in heavy soil.
But what determines the weight of a watermelon? It all comes down to the flesh and the seeds. The flesh of a watermelon is what gives it its weight and comprises between 90-95% of the fruit’s total weight. Depending on the size of the fruit, the flesh weight varies. On average, the flesh of a watermelon can weigh anywhere between 20-30 pounds.
The remaining weight comes from the seeds, which make up around 5-10% of the fruit’s total weight. However, it’s important to note that many commercial watermelons are seedless, meaning they have been genetically modified to produce small undeveloped seeds that are not a factor in their weight.
Another interesting fact is that the rind of a watermelon, which is typically discarded, can also contribute to the overall weight of the fruit. The rind makes up about 10-15% of the fruit’s total weight and can be used in various recipes, such as pickling or making preserves.
Finally, let’s talk about the heaviest watermelon ever recorded. According to the Guinness World Records, the heaviest watermelon weighed over 350 pounds and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee. This behemoth fruit measured an astonishing 109.1 cm (43 inches) long and 66 cm (26 inches) in diameter. And even though this watermelon was a record-breaker, it’s worth noting that most watermelons you’ll see at the grocery store won’t exceed thirty pounds.
In conclusion, the weight of a watermelon is a fascinating topic that many people don’t think about. The weight of a watermelon varies depending on its size, with small watermelons weighing around two pounds, medium ones weighing between eight and ten pounds, and large ones weighing up to thirty pounds or more. The flesh of the watermelon makes up between 90-95% of its total weight, while the seeds make up the remaining 5-10%. And if you’re lucky enough to come across a 350-pound watermelon like the one grown by Chris Kent, just remember that it’s an exception rather than the norm.