Watermelon is a large, sweet melon hailed as a U.S. summertime favorite. This large melon originated in Southern Africa and was brought to the U.S. by African slaves. The first American cultivation dates back to Massachusetts, 1629. Far prior to that Egyptians were growing watermelons before the year 2000BC.
In recent years growers have developed smaller melons, and most varieties grown today are "seedless". The Japanese even developed a square watermelon that made the fruit easier to stack.
Nutritionally, watermelon contains more lycopene (an antioxidant) than any other form of produce. Watermelon is frequently served chilled and fresh but can also be "frothed" into cool summer smoothies and drinks or added to salads.