Watermelon

Introduction

Watermelon is one of the most beloved fruits around and the thing that makes it so special is how it goes from a tiny seed to arriving on your dinner plate. It's an incredible journey full of intertwined components which allow for this delicious fruit to reach its destination. Here, we're going to look at the scientific process behind how a watermelon is created and travels from farm to plate.

Seeds

At the heart of every watermelon are the hundreds of little seeds that were planted in the ground to start the cycle. Watermelon seeds are wonderfully hardy, each containing its own genome that contains all the genetic instructions needed to create a watermelon. Pre-planting treatment is often used to ensure that the environment is favorable for the seeds. For example, a soak in a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide can help reduce contamination with disease and ensure that the seeds have the necessary moisture to start their life.

Germination

It doesn't take long for the seeds to germinate and sprout into what are known as seedlings. These quickly grow into thorny vines that can stretch several feet in length and branch out in search of nutrition. Watermelons are a type of plant known as a vine crop and the seedlings use their spiny vines to latch onto and climb existing structures to maximize their exposure to sunlight and other resources.

Photosynthesis

As with any plant, the primary source of nutrition for the watermelon's vines and eventual fruit is light from the sun, which is converted into energy via a process called photosynthesis. This energy is created through a careful balance of chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water, which interact to create the building blocks of glucose and other molecules which fuel the growth of the plant.

Root System

The root system of a watermelon is responsible for taking in essential nutrients from the soil to feed the growing fruit. The roots are incredibly intricate, branching out in all directions to search for water and nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, among others.

Fruit Development

Once the roots have taken in enough nutrients, the plant can begin to bear fruit. The most recognizable stage of the watermelon is when it starts to appear as the large, round melons found in most grocery stores. Depending on the variety, these melons can range in size from small enough to fit in the palm of your hand to huge varieties that can weigh upwards of 100 pounds.

Harvesting

When the watermelon is ready to be harvested, it must be handled delicately to avoid damage that can shorten its shelf life or make it unsellable. As the vines stretch out horizontally, they are kept in check with stake ties that are wrapped gently around the stems to keep them in place. When it comes time to pick the fruit, workers use a pair of pruners to carefully snip off the watermelon without damaging the vine or the other fruits growing nearby.

Transport

Once the watermelon has been picked and placed in a crate, it's ready to embark on its journey to the dinner plate. Watermelons are generally transported by truck as they can withstand the conditions of the open road. They may be stored briefly in refrigerated containers if the truck is particularly hot, but the cold air can damage their skins and make them susceptible to rot.

Retail

When the watermelon reaches its destination, it's unloaded from the truck and stored in a cool, dark space, where it will sit until it appears on the shelves of a grocery store or market. To store properly, watermelons should be kept at temperatures of 50–60°F (10–13°C), and with a humidity level no higher than 90%.

Consumption

Finally, after all these steps, the watermelon reaches its final destination, the dinner plate. Watermelons can be prepared and consumed in a variety of different ways, such as juiced, diced, or sliced and served fresh. Or, they can be dried, pickled or even fermented—the possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

From the moment a seed is planted all the way to when it is enjoyed, the journey of a watermelon demonstrates why it is one of the world's beloved fruits. With multiple phases including germination, photosynthesis, root development, harvesting and even transportation, the process behind creating a delicious new watermelon each day is an incredible feat that transitions this summer favorite from a farm to a plate.