1 The watermelon is not a fruit but a vegetable and is of the same botanical family as cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. They were first harvested in Egypt about 5,000 years ago and are now grown in almost 100 countries, says www.fabulousfoods.com

2 There are more than 50 varieties. Most have red flesh but there are orange and yellow-fleshed varieties, according to www.foodreference.com

3 Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and B6. It is also rich in potassium, extremely low in sodium and contains fibre and practically no fat.

4 This famous thirst quencher is 92 per cent water and 8 per cent sugar.

5 Every part of a watermelon is edible, even the seeds, and the rinds which are often pickled.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on May 28, 2008.