Watermelon - Thai Fruit Refreshment

About The Fruit:

Watermelons are special for many reasons, and it is widely considered one of the most popular summer fruits in many various countries. Watermelon is grown in tropical and subtropical regions, and although it originates in West Africa, it is enjoyed throughout the world. Many might be stunned to find out that there are actually over 1200 varieties of watermelon, and one of the great things about the watermelon is that the entire fruit can be consumed.

There’s a reason why there is “water” in the title - the watermelon is around 92% water. It’s one of the great ways to stay hydrated, which is probably why it is such a summer favorite. In fact, watermelon water is gaining popularityas a coconut water alternative, as well. One interesting fact about the watermelon is that they can grow to be hundreds of pounds. In fact, the largest watermelon weight ever recorded (according to the Guinness Book Of World Records) was 350 pounds, which is more than most people!

Watermelon Health Facts:

Watermelons are among the healthiest fruits in the world, for various reasons. The first reason has already been mentioned: it helps tremendously in terms of hydration. Watermelons also contain a multitude of important nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium, Magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B5, and B6. This is a variety of vitamins and nutrients that is hard to find in any other fruit, but the watermelon delivers.

The watermelon is also incredibly different from other fruits for one particular reason: lycopene. There is evidence that lycopene may helpwith some of the most common health issues in the world, including heart health, inflammation, macular degeneration, and even cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, watermelon might actually help with muscle soreness, as well, according to a study from 2013.

The fact that watermelon contains a large amount of fiber is great for digestion, and as if all this wasn’t enough? Watermelon is also great for your skin and hair! This is due to the prominence of Vitamin C, which helps your skin create collagen, and Vitamin A, which works to repair skin cells.

Watermelon in Thai Culture:

One of the most fascinating aspects of watermelon is how differently it used all across the world. There are many who use watermelon to make fruity summer cocktails, and the drink is often incorporated into drinks such as the mojito, and the aptly-named watermelon agua fresca. The fruit is also often used as a dessert, as the sweetness and water makes it simultaneously a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while also cleansing your palate.

The watermelon have quite a rich tradition with another Asian country: Japan. In fact, suikawari is a traditional Japanese game in which individuals attempt to split watermelon with a stick while blindfolded, and it even has its own association. Japanese farmers have also popularized the art of growing square-shaped watermelons, as well.

Thailand is more interested in incorporating watermelon into actual cuisine, however, rather than smashing them or showing them off. That’s why the country is known for some incredible dishes, such as the watermelon fish floss salad, which incorporates salmon, fried shallots, and galangal powder. The dish, also known as “fried fish with watermelon”, has quite the history: it was served at the inauguration of a Buddhist temple to none other than King Rama V, in 1809. Over two hundred years later, it is still considered a New Year dish that symbolizes prosperity.

Watermelon salad in general is popular in Thai culture, and they often involve peppers, radish, and chili to add some complexity to the dish. Basil leaves, widely associated with Thai cuisine, are widely used in these dishes, as well, and some even add cashews for good measure. Another popular dish is the Thai-spiced watermelon soup with crabmeat, which has made its way past Thailand and onto the menus of various restaurants all over the world.

There is another tradition that Thailand is proud of, and that’s the fruit carving tradition. The tradition is called kae sa luckby the Thai, and has a rich history of hundreds of years, that involve carving fruits and vegetables delicately into some incredible pieces of art. The tradition is so popular that it is even taught at some schools, and guess what is one of the most used fruits when it comes to kae sa luck? That’s right: the watermelon.

Where Do I Find It?

For those who want to stay hydrated in Thailand, or simply love watermelon, or want to try out a Thai watermelon for the first time, check out the Pratunam Market. For those staying at Centre Point Pratunam, it’s only an 8 minute walk away! Enjoy!