The popularity of watermelons spread as the traders carried the seeds along the Mediterranean routes. Watermelons were grown in China in the 10th century. The sweet flavor of watermelon intensifies in hot climates like China and Egypt. The early settlers from Europe and the slaves from Africa grew watermelon in the United States. The first cookbook printed in America in 1796 had a recipe for watermelon rind pickles.
Watermelons grow best in a sandy soil in hot dry areas that have plenty of sunshine.
Watermelons are best when they are vine ripened. If the watermelon yields a dull thud when tapped, it is ripe. The flesh of the watermelon intensifies in color as it ripens. In the Middle East and China the watermelon seeds are roasted and eaten like popcorn or peanuts. Watermelon is part of the cucumber family along with pumpkin, squash, and muskmelon.