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" The Arabic word for Watermelon as mentioned
in the Hadith is 'Batikh' or 'Bittik'
Among the fruits that the Prophet (sallallahu aliyhi wassallam)
liked were grapes and watermelons. (Abu Dawood) "
Watermelons
A Health and Islamic Perspective
Although watermelons can now be found in the markets
throughout the year, the
season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of
the best quality.
History
Originating in Africa, watermelons were first cultivated in Egypt
where
testaments to their legacy were recorded in hieroglyphic painted on
building walls.
The fruit was held is such regard that it was placed in the tombs of
many
Egyptian kings. It is not surprising that watermelon played such an
important
role in this country, and subsequently in countries in the
Mediterranean region,
since water was often in short supply in these areas, and people
could depend
upon watermelon for its thirst-quenching properties.
Watermelons were brought to China around the 10th century and then
to the
Western Hemisphere. In Russia, where much of the commercial
supply of
watermelons is grown, there is a popular wine made from this fruit.
In addition to
Russia, the leading commercial growers of watermelon include China,
Turkey, Iran
and the United States.
Description
If you have ever tasted a watermelon, it is probably no surprise to
you why
this juicy, refreshing fruit has this name. Watermelon has an
extremely high
water content, approximately 92%, giving its flesh a crumbly and
subtly crunchy
texture and making it a favorite thirst-quenching fruit.
As a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, the watermelon is related
to the
cantaloupe, squash and pumpkin, other plants that also grow on vines
on the
ground. Watermelons can be round, oblong or spherical in shape and
feature thick
green rinds that are often spotted or striped. They range in size
from a few
pounds to upward of ninety pounds.
While we often associate a deep red-pink color with watermelons, in
fact
there are varieties that feature orange, yellow, or white flesh.
While most
watermelons have seeds that are black, brown, white, green or
yellow, a few varities
are actually seedless.
Health Benefits
Watermelon is not only great on a hot summer day, this delectable
thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that
contributes to conditions like
asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis.
Sweet, juicy
watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important
antioxidants in
nature.
Good source of vitamin A: Vitamin A has many roles in promoting
overall
health. It helps your eyes see normally in the dark, promotes the
growth and health
of cells, and protects against infection by helping to maintain
healthy skin
and tissues. It also is involved in hearing, taste, growth and
normal
development of fetuses. A two-cup serving of watermelon provides 20
percent of the
recommended daily intake for vitamin A.
Good source of vitamin C: Like vitamin A, vitamin C has many
responsibilities
in the body. Probably vitamin C's most well known role is as an
antioxidant
protecting body cells from damage by free radicals. Studies have
shown that
cell damage by free radicals may lead to chronic health problems,
including
cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, appear to
counteract the
effects of free radicals. Vitamin C is also required for the
production and
maintenance of collagen, it boosts the body's ability to fight
infection, and
helps keep capillaries and gums healthy. A two-cup serving of
watermelon
supplies 30 milligrams of vitamin C.
Provides potassium: Although the scientific reasons are not fully
understood,
foods high in potassium may help protect against high blood
pressure.
Potassium also helps regulate fluids and mineral balance in and out
of body cells,
aids in muscle contraction, and helps transmit nerve impulses.
Several fruits
and vegetables are among the best sources of potassium, including
watermelon,
which has approximately 350 milligrams per two-cup serving.
Contains lycopene: Watermelon contains 15 - 20 milligrams of
lycopene, an
antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of cancer and other
diseases, per two
cup serving. Found only in select fruits and vegetables, lycopene,
like vitamin
C, neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals. A study conducted by
researchers
at Harvard University found that men who consumed lycopene-rich
diets of
tomatoes and tomato products had a much lower risk of developing
certain cancers,
specifically prostate cancer.
Ninety-two percent water: Staying properly hydrated is extremely
important,
particularly during the hot days of summer. While plain water and
other
beverages provide a significant amount of most people's fluid
requirements, solid
food, especially fruits and vegetables, also provide a substantial
amount.
Watermelon is 92 percent water by weight, the highest percentage of
any fruit.
Low in calories - yet, filling: A two-cup serving of watermelon has
only 100
calories. However, as a result of its high water content, watermelon
is quite
filling.
Low in fat and cholesterol free: Among its other health benefits,
watermelon
is naturally low in fat and cholesterol free. Research suggests that
diets
moderate in fat and cholesterol promote health and may aid in the
prevention of
certain chronic diseases.
How to Select and Store Watermelons:
The best way to choose a flavorful melon is to look at the color and
quality
of the flesh, which should be a deep color and absent from white
streaks. If
it features seeds, they should be deep in color.
Oftentimes, however, we do not have this liberty when purchasing
watermelon
since it is more common to buy a whole, uncut fruit. When choosing a
whole
watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size with a rind that
is relatively
smooth and that is neither overly shiny nor overly dull. In
addition, one
side of the melon should have an area that is distinct in color from
the rest of
the rind, displaying a yellowish or creamy tone. This is the
underbelly, the
place that was resting on the ground during ripening, and if the
fruit does not
have this marking, it may have been harvested prematurely, which
will
negatively affect its taste, texture and juiciness.
Watermelons should be refrigerated in order to best preserve their
freshness,
taste and juiciness. If the whole watermelon does not fit in your
refrigerator, cut it into pieces (as few as possible), and cover
them with plastic wrap
to prevent them from becoming dried out and from absorbing the odors
of other
foods.
Tips for Preparing Watermelon:
Just a reminder... Always wash the outside of a watermelon with tap
water
before you cut it open. This is important to prevent the spread of
bacteria that
might be on the outside surface to the interior of the melon. Due to
its large
size, you will probably not be able to run it under water in the
sink.
Instead, wash it with a wet cloth or paper towel.
Depending upon the size that you desire, there are many ways to cut
a
watermelon. The flesh can be sliced, cubed or scooped into balls.
Watermelon is
delicious to eat as is, while it also makes a delightful addition to
a fruit salad.
Jam, sorbet and juice are some nutritious and delicious things you
can make
with watermelon. While many people are just accustomed to eating the
juicy
flesh of the watermelon, both the seeds and the rind are also
edible.
A Few Quick Serving Ideas:
Watermelon is a wonderful addition to fruit salad. In Asian
countries,
roasted watermelon seeds are either seasoned and eaten as a snack
food or ground up
into cereal and used to make bread. A featured item of Southern
American
cooking, the rind of watermelon can be marinated, pickled or
candied.
Safety
Watermelon is not a commonly allergenic food, is not included in the
list of 20 foods that most frequently contain pesticide residues,
and is also not known to contain goitrogens, oxalates, or purines.
Islamic Perspective: Some Hadith regarding
Watermelons:
The Arabic word for Watermelon as mentioned in the Hadith is 'Batikh'
or 'Bittik'
Among the fruits that the Prophet(sallallahu aliyhi wassallam) liked
were grapes and watermelons. (Abu Dawood)
I saw the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) of Allah eating
watermelon with dates. ( Narrated Anas bin Malik(radhi yallah anhu)
- Tirmizi) Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) liked
grapes and watermelon. ( Abu Dawood)
Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) used to eat
watermelon with fresh dates. (narrated Ayesha(radhiyallahu anha) -
Tirmizi)
The Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) of Allah said,
'Eating watermelon before meals washes the stomach and removes its
diseases (Ibn Asakir)
Prepared by AL-Islaah Publications from
references
1. Medicinal Plants of Prophet Muhammad- Dr. M.I.H.
Farooqi ( www.khatoons.com
)
2. Seven wonders of watermelon By Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D. Food
Science and
Human Nutrition Specialist, Colorado State University.
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