Known specifically as a classic summertime food, the watermelon is one of the more popular picnic or family gathering foods around. Coming in a number of different sizes, and available in both seeded and seedless varieties, the watermelon is immediately recognizable due to it’s green skin. Most people are very familiar with watermelons, but here are 7 Things You Don’t Know About: Watermelons.

1. More watermelons are produced in China than in any other country in the world.

2. Many scientists believe that watermelons were first domestically cultivated in the Nile Valley of Africa.

3. In many countries, including China, watermelon rind is used in stir fry, pickled, and also stewed.

4. Because of their short shelf life at the time, watermelons weren’t widely available in grocery stores until the mid 1940’s.

5. Though most classify watermelon as a fruit, the State of Oklahoma named the watermelon as the state’s official vegetable in 2007.

6. To make them easier to stack, some farmers in Japan grow watermelons within clear boxes causing the fruit to grow to fill the space provided and take on a cube-like shape.

7. On average, water makes up 92% of the weight of a watermelon.

Watermelons will be continued to be enjoyed by a large number of people every summer. The sweet juiciness of the watermelon makes it a favorite for young and old alike. One taste and it is easy to see why the watermelon is present at most picnics and family gatherings every summer.