Midi
Watermelon

Trade name: Watermelon

Botanical variety: Citrullus Lanatus (Thunberg) Matsumura et Nakai

Zone of Origin: Italy

For watermelon, the biological minimums are around 12-15 °C, while the optimal development temperatures range from 15-18 °C at night to 20-25 °C during the day; with highs above 35 °C, the emission of flowers stops. It is characterised by good environmental adaptability but benefits considerably from cultivation on medium-textured, well-structured soils with a good supply of organic substance and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. In the crop rotation it is good to avoid stubble and the succession with solanaceae or other cucurbitaceae, in order to limit problems related to the fatigue of the soil and the emergence of telluric phytopathies it is advisable that the crop does not return on the same plot for at least 3-4 crop cycles. About the aspects of fertilization, it should be stressed that to establish a rational fertilization plan it is necessary to verify the actual supplies of the soil through a physical-chemical analysis, as well as to know how much the expected crop needs: to produce one ton of product the watermelon absorb about 1.7 Kg of nitrogen, 1.3 Kg of phosphorus and 5 Kg of potassium.

• Calories: 30
• Water: 91%
• Protein: 0,6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 7,6 grams
• Sugar: 6,2 grams
• Fiber: 0,4 grams
• Fat: 0,2 grams
• Vitamin and Minerals

• Vitamin C. This antioxidant is essential for skin health and immune function.
• Potassium. This mineral is important for blood pressure control and heart health.
• Copper. This mineral is most abundant in plant foods and often lacks in the western diet.
• Vitamin B5. Also known as pantothenic acid, this vitamin is found in almost all foods to some extent.
• Vitamin A. Watermelon contains beta-carotene that our body can turn into vitamin A.

• Colour
• Consistency of the peduncle
• Withering of the cirrus
• Slight apical softening
• Streaks colour changing
• RSR > 9,5%

Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Watermelon contains a good source of citrulline, which is converted into arginine in our body. Both of these amino acids help the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that allows blood vessels to relax and dilate, resulting in lower blood pressure.

Insulin resistance
Insulin is a vital hormone in our body and is involved in controlling blood glucose.

Insulin resistance is the condition in which cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. This can lead to high blood glucose levels and is linked to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Watermelon and arginine intake are associated with reduced insulin resistance.

Reduction of muscle pain after exercise
Muscle pain is known as a side effect of intense exercise.