In ancient China a cool, refreshing slice of watermelon brought respite from the heat of summer. Appreciated not only for its succulent flavors, the watermelon was also eulogized by poets who called its cool green colors, "sweet jade." Times have changed but a slice of watermelon is still a delicious way to beat the summer heat.

According to legend, watermelons were first introduced along the western frontiers of China from Africa. During the Five Dynasties Period (420-618 A.D.), the northern Chinese kingdom of Kitan went to war with the western Uigur tribe. One of the spoils of war brought back to the east was the watermelon. Thus the Chinese name for the fruit, "Hsikua", means "west melon." Popular folklore describes these melons as being so large that as many as ten people could feast from a single melon. The fox which loved to eat the fruit was often dwarfed in size by a ripe watermelon.

According to historical records, the watermelon first appeared on Taiwan around the year 1717. Early varieties were large, and less sweet than the northern strains. They were also susceptible to rot and disease. Today, continuing experimentation has made almost thirty varieties of watermelon available to people on Taiwan. No longer just a summertime treat, the fruit can be enjoyed 12 months of the year. The watermelon, a member of the gourd family, is an annual vine that can produce up to three crops of melons in the semi-tropical heat of Taiwan. The watermelon's ideal growth environments are areas of light rainfall, low humidity, and a maximum number of sunlight hours to ripen the melon. Sweet-flavored melons develop best where the diurnal tempera ture (difference between night and day) is great. Well-drained, sandy soils and an adequate irrigation supply are also vital.

Watermelon vines have a weak root system so are sensitive to excessive dampness. Earliest sites for cultivation were dry riverbeds. They were high in sand content and provided a ready supply of water for irrigation. P'ingtung County in the south and Hsilo County in the southcentral area of Taiwan were the most productive melon-producing regions. Travelling through the area by train, passengers could see expansive fields of lush vines, their melons ripening under the hot sun while field workers toiled ceaselessly, hauling buckets of water to irrigate the fields. A popular Taiwanese idiom says, "one must carry nine buckets of water to produce one watermelon."

In 1956, the government began extensive research into developing different, improved types of watermelons at the Fengshan Tropical Garden's Experimental Branch under the direction of two researchers, Yu Tsung-hsiung and Ch'en Wen-yu. Their first efforts produced a melon known as the Mipao watermelon. Somewhat smaller than the earlier varieties it weighed about 6 kilograms as opposed to the 18 kilogram P'ingtung type. A seedless variety now popular in Taiwan and Hong Kong was also developed.

Yellow-flesh watermelons were introduced in the late 1970's and recent years have produced hardier, high yielding strains known as Hongling watermelons which are resistant to moisture. Future research looks to produce seedless varieties of all types, and to develop yellow-colored melons.

The watermelon is a highly nutritious fruit credited with natural curative properties. Possessing a high water content (94%), it contains proteins, natural sugars, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, C, phosphorus, calcium and sodium. Its cooling powers are recommended for people with fevers and those suffering from high blood pressure. Even diabetics are counseled to eat it. Not only is the fruit healthful, the rind is a popular skin cleanser for women, and is an excellent treatment for sunburn. Dried watermelon seeds are a popular and delicious snack.

When selecting a watermelon, careful examination can reveal a prime fruit. A thin rind, a slightly powdery feel and a soft fresh stem are all recognizable signs of a good melon.

A summer cooler, a natural, nutritious, medicinal fruit and the subject of popular lore--the watermelon is a flavorful treat enjoyed by one and all.

(Gerald Hatherly)

[Picture Caption]

1. Varying in size and shape--round or oblong--the tender yet crisp, flavorful watermelon is an ideal family treat. 2. The juicy watermelon (94% water), can be blended into a popular summertime refreshment.

1. A field of large, ripe melons ready to be harvested. 2. Clever melon vendors often cover lights with red paper, giving the watermelon slices a deeper, richer red color. 3. During the height of the watermelon season, vendors, using the backs of their trucks as stalls, can set up shop instantly.

2. The juicy watermelon （94% water）, can be blended into a popular summertime refreshment.

1. A field of large, ripe melons ready to be harvested.

2. Clever melon vendors often cover lights with red paper, giving the watermelon slices a deeper, richer red color.

3. During the height of the watermelon season, vendors, using the backs of their trucks as stalls, can set up shop instantly.