Water lily (Citrullus lanatus)
Other names: watermelon
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), better known as watermelon, is a fruit native to southern Africa. However, it is grown all over the world in areas with subtropical and tropical climates. This large berry, which is a member of the gourd family, is recognisable at first sight by its green rind and pale red or pink fleshy interior, which is very juicy and sweet. Its name is a little confusing, as it cannot be compared with the melon, which comes from a different plant family.
The watermelon can be eaten in its purest form, i.e. as a fresh fruit. It is an ideal treat for the summer heat as it contains up to 92% water and is full of vitamins A, B6 and C. However, watermelon can also be used to make a variety of products. Its sweet taste is a popular ingredient in drinks, smoothies, fruit salads, jams, marmalades and sorbets. Recently, it has also been increasingly used in culinary applications, where it is combined with various types of cheese, vegetables and meat. In addition to the fruit, the seeds, which have a nutty flavour when roasted, can also be eaten. In some cultures they are used to produce oil or as a coffee substitute. Another interesting use is the peel, which becomes edible when cooked and serves as an alternative to cucumbers in some parts of the world.