The watermelon is of the Cucurbitaceae (or Gourd) family. Its origin was established in the 1850's by David Livingstone, a noted missionary explorer. He found great tracts of watermelon growing wild in the Kalahari desert of Africa. Cultivation by man dates back at least 4000 years to the Egyptians.

How to Select & Store:

Choose a watermelon symmetrical in shape without dents, bruises and cuts.
Thump, if you must (listen for dull hollow sound). Turn watermelon over. The underside should be creamy yellow with a healthy sheen to the rind. Store cut watermelons in refrigerator. Cover cut surface loosely with plastic wrap. Uncut watermelons keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.