The watermelon plant is a climber or a trailer or a vine like structure, originally from South Africa. Scientifically known as the Citrullus lanatus, it belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae. The fruit produced by this plant is called pepo by the scientists. This fruit has a thick rind (exocarp)and has a soft edible pulp (endocarp or mesocarp)on the inside, usually with a lot of seeds. The sweet and juicy flesh ranges in colour from pink, red to yellow.

Watermelon is a tasty and filling fruit, which is low on calories and has absolutely no fat. Though, it is mostly the pulp which is consumed, but the outer shell and seeds are also consumed in many countries. In many Asian countries, roasted watermelon seeds are eaten as a snack. The rind is used in the form of pickles, jams, etc.