Watermelon

Watermelon in Andhra Pradesh – Description:

Common Name: Watermelon
Local Name (Telugu): పుచ్చకాయ (Puchchakaya)
Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus
Family: Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)

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🌿 Description:

Watermelon is a large, round or oval fruit with a smooth green rind (sometimes striped) and juicy red or pink flesh filled with black or brown seeds. It is one of the most popular summer fruits grown widely in Andhra Pradesh due to the region’s hot and dry climate, which suits its cultivation perfectly.

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🌱 Cultivation in Andhra Pradesh:

• Major growing districts: Anantapur, Kurnool, Kadapa, Nellore, East Godavari, and Krishna.

• Season: Mostly grown during rabi and summer seasons (January–May).

• Soil: Prefers sandy loam soils with good drainage.

• Irrigation: Requires regular watering during growth; drip irrigation is commonly used.

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🍉 Nutritional Value:

Watermelon is composed of about 92% water, making it extremely hydrating and refreshing. It is also rich in:

• Vitamin A, Vitamin C

• Antioxidants (Lycopene, Citrulline)

• Potassium and Magnesium

• Natural sugars for instant energy

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💪 Health Benefits:

• Keeps the body cool and hydrated

• Supports heart health and blood pressure regulation

• Aids digestion due to its fiber and water content

• Helps in skin glow and detoxification

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🛒 Uses:

• Eaten fresh or as juice, salad, or smoothie

• Used in fruit platters and desserts

• Seeds are roasted and eaten as snacks