Watermelon: From the African Desert to the Table
Watermelon is one of the most widely cultivated melons in the world, grown on all continents except Antarctica. In Ukraine, this crop is traditionally associated with the southern regions, particularly Kherson, but it is gradually spreading to other climatic zones.
This is reported by AgroReview
Despite its high popularity among consumers, the history of watermelon’s origin and spread remains largely unknown to the general public. However, understanding the origins of the crop, its evolution, and the paths of its spread across the world has not only cognitive but also practical significance for farmers.
Homeland and Wild Ancestors
Modern research confirms that the homeland of watermelon is southern Africa, specifically the territories of present-day Sudan, Namibia, Botswana, and Egypt. It is here that the wild relatives of watermelon grow, which were used by humans thousands of years ago not for their taste, but for the water contained in the fruits.
The renowned British botanical center Kew Gardens published a genetic study in 2021 indicating that the closest relative of the cultivated watermelon is the so-called “Kordofan melon” from South Sudan
Spread Across the World
In India, watermelon has been known since at least the 7th century, and in China, it was known as early as the 10th century. Today, China is the largest producer of watermelons in the world (64% of the global volume). Watermelon reached the Mediterranean through Arab traders and conquerors, particularly to Spain in the 10th to 12th centuries.
In Ukraine, watermelons have been cultivated since at least the 15th to 16th centuries, and the true mecca of melon farming became southern Ukraine, especially the Kherson region. The unique climate, a combination of steppe zones with river irrigation, and long-standing traditions created ideal conditions for growing watermelons.
Today, despite challenges (climate change, occupation of part of the southern lands, logistical difficulties), Ukrainian melon farming is recovering and even adopting an organic direction.
The history of watermelon is an example of how humanity has adapted natural resources to its needs over millennia, improving agricultural techniques and breeding. From a wild, bitter plant in the African savannas to a high-yield crop in the fields of modern farms, the journey of watermelon encompasses not only geographical spaces but also the scientific and cultural development of societies.