Red vs. Yellow Watermelons: A Tale of Genetic Mutation and Lycopene Absence

Watermelons are one of the most popular fruits in the world, especially in summer. They are juicy, refreshing, and delicious. But did you know that there are two main types of watermelons: red and yellow? What are the differences between them, and how did they come to be? In this article, we will explore the fascinating history and science behind these two varieties of watermelons, and compare their taste, nutrition, and health benefits. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about watermelons, and give you some tips on how to choose and store them. Let’s dive in!

Red vs. Yellow Watermelons: A Tale of Genetic Mutation and Lycopene Absence

Watermelons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, which includes other fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, and melons. The scientific name of watermelon is Citrullus lanatus, which means “woolly citron” in Latin. This name refers to the hairy seeds and the yellow flesh of the original watermelons that were cultivated in Africa thousands of years ago1.

Yes, you read that right. The first watermelons were not red, but yellow. They were also smaller, bitter, and had thick rinds. They were mainly used as a source of water in dry regions, rather than as a food2. It was not until centuries later that humans started to select and breed watermelons for their sweetness, size, and color.

So how did red watermelons come to be? The answer lies in a genetic mutation that occurred in some watermelon plants. This mutation caused them to produce a pigment called lycopene in their flesh. Lycopene is a carotenoid, which is a type of plant compound that gives color to fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, and peppers. Lycopene is also an antioxidant, which means it can protect the cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Lycopene is responsible for the red color of most watermelons today. However, not all watermelons have this mutation. Some still retain their original yellow color, due to the absence of lycopene in their flesh. These are the yellow watermelons that we can find in some markets and farms.

Are Red or Yellow Watermelons More Common?

Red watermelons are more common than yellow watermelons in most parts of the world. This is because they have been cultivated and preferred by humans for a longer time. Red watermelons are also more widely available in grocery stores and farmers’ markets, as they have a higher demand from consumers.

Yellow watermelons are less common than red watermelons, but they are not rare. They are more popular in some regions than others, such as Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. They are also more likely to be found in specialty stores or organic farms, as they have a niche market of people who appreciate their unique taste and appearance.

The Nutrient Density of Food is Not That High

While fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, they are not enough to meet all your nutritional needs. You also need protein, fat, and carbohydrates to support your body’s functions, growth, and repair. Eating only fruits and vegetables can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. These can cause various health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, poor immunity, and cognitive decline.

Therefore, it is important to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from different food groups. You should also pay attention to the quality and quantity of the foods you eat, and avoid processed foods that are high in calories, sugar, salt, and fat. A healthy diet should provide you with enough energy and nutrients to maintain your health and well-being.

How to Tell the Difference Between Red and Yellow Watermelons

Red and yellow watermelons look very similar from the outside. They have the same green rind with dark green stripes or spots. However, there are some ways to tell them apart without cutting them open.

Look at the Shape

Red watermelons tend to be more round or oval in shape, while yellow watermelons tend to be more oblong or cylindrical. This is because red watermelons have more seeds than yellow watermelons, which makes them heavier and more compact. Yellow watermelons have fewer seeds or are seedless, which makes them lighter and more elongated.

Look at the Stem

The stem of a watermelon can indicate its ripeness and color. A ripe watermelon will have a brown or dried stem that is easy to detach from the fruit. A green or fresh stem means that the watermelon is not ripe yet or was harvested too early. The color of the stem can also hint at the color of the flesh. A red watermelon will have a green stem with a reddish tint, while a yellow watermelon will have a green stem with a yellowish tint.

Look at the Bottom

The bottom of a watermelon is where it rests on the ground while growing. This part is called the field spot or ground spot. It indicates the amount of sun exposure and ripeness of the watermelon. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange field spot that contrasts with the green rind. A white or pale green field spot means that the watermelon is not ripe yet or was harvested too early. The color of the field spot can also suggest the color of the flesh. A red watermelon will have a darker or deeper field spot than a yellow watermelon.

Which Watermelon is Sweeter: Red or Yellow?

The sweetness of a watermelon depends on several factors such as variety, growing conditions, ripeness, and storage. However, in general, yellow watermelons are sweeter than red watermelons. This is because yellow watermelons have more natural sugars than red watermelons. Yellow watermelons have about 14% sugar content, while red watermelons have about 12% sugar content. This difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the taste and flavor of the watermelon.

Why are Yellow Watermelons Sweeter than Red Watermelons?

The reason why yellow watermelons are sweeter than red watermelons has to do with their lycopene content. Lycopene is not only a pigment that gives color to fruits and vegetables, but also a phytochemical that has antioxidant properties. Lycopene can protect the cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. However, lycopene also has a downside: it inhibits the production of sugar in plants. This means that plants that have more lycopene tend to have less sugar.

Red watermelons have more lycopene than yellow watermelons, which makes them less sweet than yellow watermelons. Yellow watermelons have less lycopene than red watermelons, which makes them more sweet than red watermelons.

Which Watermelon is Healthier: Red or Yellow?

Both red and yellow watermelons are healthy fruits that can provide you with hydration, fiber, and antioxidants. However, they have different nutritional profiles and health benefits. Here are some of the main differences between them:

Lycopene

As mentioned before, lycopene is a carotenoid that gives color and antioxidant properties to fruits and vegetables. Lycopene has been linked to various health benefits such as lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and age-related macular degeneration. Lycopene is also beneficial for skin health, as it can protect the skin from sun damage and improve its elasticity and texture.

Red watermelons have more lycopene than yellow watermelons, which makes them more beneficial for preventing and fighting oxidative stress and inflammation. Red watermelons have about 4,532 micrograms of lycopene per 100 grams of flesh, while yellow watermelons have only 1 microgram of lycopene per 100 grams of flesh. This means that red watermelons have about 4,532 times more lycopene than yellow watermelons.

Beta-Carotene

Beta-carotene is another carotenoid that gives color and antioxidant properties to fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A, which is essential for vision, immunity, growth, and reproduction. Beta-carotene can also protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, and lower the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and diabetes. Beta-carotene is also good for skin health, as it can enhance the skin’s natural defense against sun damage and aging.

Yellow watermelons have more beta-carotene than red watermelons, which makes them more beneficial for boosting vitamin A levels and improving eye and skin health. Yellow watermelons have about 467 micrograms of beta-carotene per 100 grams of flesh, while red watermelons have only 28 micrograms of beta-carotene per 100 grams of flesh. This means that yellow watermelons have about 17 times more beta-carotene than red watermelons.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that has antioxidant properties and plays a vital role in many biological processes. Vitamin C is involved in collagen synthesis, wound healing, immune function, iron absorption, and neurotransmitter production. Vitamin C can also protect the cells from oxidative stress and inflammation, and lower the risk of infections, scurvy, anemia, and bleeding gums. Vitamin C is also important for skin health, as it can stimulate collagen production and prevent skin damage caused by sun exposure and pollution.

Both red and yellow watermelons have similar amounts of vitamin C, which makes them equally beneficial for supporting your immune system and skin health. Both red and yellow watermelons have about 8.1 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams of flesh. This amount covers about 9% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adults.

How to Choose a Ripe Watermelon

Whether you prefer red or yellow watermelons, you want to make sure that you choose a ripe one that is sweet, juicy, and flavorful. Here are some tips on how to choose a ripe watermelon:

Look for a Uniform Shape

A ripe watermelon should have a uniform shape that matches its variety. If the watermelon is irregular or deformed, it may indicate that it had poor growing conditions or was affected by pests or diseases. A uniform shape also means that the watermelon had enough space and sunlight to develop properly.

Look for a Firm Rind

A ripe watermelon should have a firm rind that is free of cracks, bruises, or soft spots. If the rind is damaged or mushy, it may indicate that the watermelon is overripe or rotten. A firm rind also means that the watermelon has not lost too much moisture or freshness.

Look for a Dull Surface

A ripe watermelon should have a dull surface that is not shiny or glossy. If the surface is shiny or glossy, it may indicate that the watermelon is underripe or immature. A dull surface also means that the watermelon has developed enough sugar content to be sweet.

Look for a Heavy Weight

A ripe watermelon should have a heavy weight that matches its size. If the weight is too light for its size, it may indicate that the watermelon is dry or hollow. A heavy weight also means that the watermelon has a high water content and is juicy.

Look for a Hollow Sound

A ripe watermelon should have a hollow sound when you tap or knock on it. If the sound is dull or muted, it may indicate that the watermelon is underripe or overripe. A hollow sound also means that the watermelon has a crisp and firm flesh.

Look for a Yellow Field Spot

A ripe watermelon should have a yellow field spot or ground spot on the bottom, where it rested on the ground while growing. If the field spot is white or green, it may indicate that the watermelon is not ripe yet or was harvested too early. A yellow field spot also means that the watermelon had enough sun exposure and ripeness.

FAQs

Q1: Are yellow watermelons natural or GMO?

A1: Yellow watermelons are natural and not GMO. They are the result of selective breeding and genetic mutation that occurred naturally in some watermelon plants. They have been cultivated for centuries in some regions of the world, such as Africa and Asia.

Q2: Are yellow watermelons seedless?

A2: Yellow watermelons can be either seeded or seedless, depending on the variety and the breeding method. Some of the most common varieties of yellow watermelons are Desert King, Yellow Crimson, Yellow Doll, and Yellow Baby. Some of these varieties are naturally seedless, while others are artificially seedless by using a process called hybridization. Hybridization involves crossing two different types of watermelons to create a new variety that has desirable traits, such as seedlessness, sweetness, or disease resistance.

Q3: Can you eat watermelon seeds?

A3: Yes, you can eat watermelon seeds, as they are edible and nutritious. Watermelon seeds are rich in protein, fiber, healthy fats, minerals, and antioxidants. They can be roasted, sprouted, or ground into flour or butter. They can also be added to salads, soups, granola bars, or baked goods. However, you should not eat too many watermelon seeds at once, as they may cause digestive discomfort or blockage. You should also chew them well or remove their shells before eating them.

Q4: Can you eat watermelon rind?

A4: Yes, you can eat watermelon rind, as it is also edible and nutritious. Watermelon rind is the green part of the watermelon that surrounds the flesh. It is high in fiber, vitamin C, citrulline, and chlorophyll. It can help improve digestion, blood circulation, immunity, and skin health. However, watermelon rind is usually bitter and tough, so it may not be very palatable for some people. You can make it more tasty by pickling, juicing, blending, or cooking it. You can also use it to make jams, chutneys, salads, or stir-fries.

Q5: How many calories are in a watermelon?

A5: Watermelon is a low-calorie fruit that can help you stay hydrated and full. One cup of diced watermelon (152 grams) has only 46 calories. This amount covers about 2% of the recommended daily intake of calories for adults. Watermelon also has no fat or cholesterol, and only 11 grams of carbohydrates (9 grams of sugar and 1 gram of fiber). Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and lycopene.

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