2023-06-03 14:59:00
Watermelon is by far the number one summer fruit. The “universal” fruit is rich in health benefits, and is not without homes, restaurants and parks in summer. However, in exchange for what watermelon means, its prices have increased with the increase in the prices of all commodities, of course, and the change in the volume of its production.
Photo by Hossam Shabaro.
In his interview with An-Nahar, the head of the Farmers’ Association, Antoine Howeik, states that the municipal watermelon is now in the markets and the quantity of its production in the south is still the same as in the plains of Marjayoun and Hasbani, as they are two important sources of watermelon production in Lebanon.
After the south, comes the al-Qaa plain in the Bekaa Valley and northern Baalbek. In these areas, watermelon production has declined from previous years, as is the case with many other crops. It used to be that the farmer planted about 500 to 1000 dunams of watermelons, but now he cannot grow them all. However, watermelon production in general is in excess of the needs of the Lebanese market.
Photo by Hossam Shabaro.
And about what is imported from it, Howayek states that when the production of municipal watermelons begins, its import gradually decreases. In order to cover the demand for it before this period, watermelons are imported from Egypt and Jordan until May 15, when the local watermelon season begins. However, watermelon imported from Syria continues to enter Lebanon, thus reducing the price of local watermelon. As for the import of watermelon, it definitely does not exceed 20 percent of the watermelon market in Lebanon.
And while the season of peaches, cherries, and apricots has begun, some people, according to Howayek, prefer to buy a variety of these fruits, rather than buying one watermelon at the same price or even less.
Watermelon prices
While the prices of watermelon vary in the market, the price per kilo ranges between 50 and 65 thousand Syrian pounds in some of the most famous vegetable and fruit shops. That is, the price of a watermelon weighing 10 kilograms may reach 650,000 pounds.
In the wholesale market, the price of watermelon ranges between 25 and 30 thousand pounds per kilo.
Health benefits of watermelon
Corinne Chechportrich, a nutritionist, says that watermelon reduces appetite and gives a feeling of satiety because of the fiber it contains.
Despite its sweet taste, watermelon does not contain high calories or fatty substances, as every 100 grams of watermelon contains 30 calories.
Watermelon contains carotenoids, an antioxidant that promotes the production of melanin, which protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The nutrition specialist advises eating walnuts or almonds with watermelon, as the fatty substances enhance the effectiveness of the “carotenoids.”
On the other hand, watermelon contains vitamin C, which helps in combating heart diseases and cell aging.
Watermelon water helps in fighting harmful cholesterol, without this meaning that watermelon water will help lose belly fat. While some believe that watermelon water and pineapple help combat cellulite, there is no scientific data available to confirm this, and therefore watermelon water does not show benefits in combating cellulite.
On the other hand, watermelon does not help digestion, so it cannot be relied upon to digest food after eating the main meals.
Tastes and dishes
Many people like watermelon with white cheese (hallum or akkawi) in watermelon salad, as this fruit is the main ingredient in it, along with cheese.
Likewise, a large number of restaurants, especially the traditional Lebanese ones, serve watermelon after lunch, and it has become one of the basic fruits that are available even in swimming pools during the sea season.
Traditionally, watermelon is a table decoration on barbecue trips on the river where the watermelon is placed to cool down, picnic trips, and even after the big family lunch that takes place on summer holidays in mountain homes and villages.
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