Watermelon, one of the most important and popular fruits in the world, with an annual production of over 200 million tons worldwide, seems to have its origins in Northeast Africa, specifically in the Kordofan region of Sudan, according to a new scientific study that rewrites the history of watermelon and is believed to put an end to decades of controversy over its origin.
There is a research about the Watermelon
Researchers from Britain and the United States, led by Dr. Guillaume Chomiski of the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom, who conducted genetic analysis and published it in the journal National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), discovered that the “wild Kordophan” is considered the oldest and closest relative of today’s domesticated watermelon.
The discovery explains why today’s watermelons are so vulnerable to disease, as – as genetic analysis shows – during its evolution the domesticated watermelon lost many resistant genes. Watermelons are susceptible to attacks by viruses and fungi, which is why in conventional agriculture they are often sprayed with fungicides and other chemicals against pathogenic microorganisms.
In the Greek Reality
The Greek word for the fruit is “hydropepon” (where the English equivalent is called water-melon).
The word “Karpouzi” comes from the corresponding Turkish word “karpuz”, which comes from the Persian “xarbuz”. In Cyprus, the Arabic name, “pattiha”, is also used.
In Greece it ripens in summer and is one of the most refreshing summer fruits, ideal for consumption in slices or in fruit salads. It can also be beaten in a blender and made into a granita or soft drink, with or without the addition of a small amount of alcohol.
It can also be made into fruit punch, cutting it in half, emptying it in half and refilling it with the ground contents plus a bottle of vodka and ice cubes.
In several parts of Greece, watermelon peel is used to make dessert. Usually, you will see by the beach groups of friends or families that eat the ”karpouzi” with feta, our beloved and sacred white cheese.
That’s the right way to do it, so try it and your life won’t ever be the same again after this gourmet sensation!
