How to choose a watermelon

Ripe juicy watermelon recommended by nutritionists in health food. It is rich in microelements (potassium, magnesium, etc.)), fructose and pectin substances. Only 150 grams of watermelon is enough to replenish the daily rate of folic acid. In addition, watermelon is low-calorie, and the fiber it contains improves digestive processes. A good watermelon has a curative effect in diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, gall bladder, liver. Recommended for use in gastritis and gastroduodenitis.

Dangerous watermelons

Striving for a fast and large harvestpromotes overfeeding of watermelons with nitrates. But not only man, but the abundance of moisture and lack of sun affect the concentration of nitrates and nitrites in the pulp of watermelon. What is so dangerous nitrates? Their compounds can cause cancer, and the converted nitrates into nitrites are toxic compounds that can cause oxygen starvation of tissues. The content of nitrites in the watermelon increases with increasing shelf life.

Trade of melons and gourds on the road is prohibited: just a few hours to watermelon absorbedHeavy metals contained in the exhausts of cars. You can not throw watermelons on the ground: pathogens and dirt can penetrate through the microcracks into the flesh.

How to choose a watermelon

Sometimes even all the proven methods can fail when choosing the right berries, but using the basic tips how to choose a watermelon, you surely choose a safe berry.

• Ask to see certificate of quality, which controls the content of fertilizers, heavy metals, the amount of radiation, etc. If it is printed in black, then it is likely that the certificate is forged.



• Buy a watermelon in a specially equipped tent or store. Watermelons should lie far from road and dirt, on decking 15 cm high from the ground, under a hinged awning.



• Watermelon should be whole. Cracks breed bacteria and accumulate dirt, which can cause food poisoning.



• Buy only watermelons of medium size. Size is not an indicator of the taste of berries. Choose an average berry in relation to the rest of the party. Ripe watermelon is lighter than its green counterparts.



• The ripeness of watermelon says its color. The cork should be bright, and the streaks contrast. Light spots on a contrasting background Is also a sign of ripeness.



• Good ripe watermelon necessarily covered with a shiny hard crust. If you easily pierce it with a fingernail or it smells freshly mashed green, the fruit is raw and immature.



• Yellow spot on the side of the watermelon should be a saturated shade or even - orange.



• Check by ear: tap on the watermelon, there should be a clean sonorous sound. Attach a watermelon to your ear and squeeze it with your hands. The rind will crack a little and bend.



• If conditions permit, watermelon can be to throw into the water. If it is ripe, it will come up.



• Watermelons - "girls" contain more sugar and fewer seeds, unlike "boys". How to choose watermelon "girl" or "boy"? Look at the opposite tail of the watermelon side: the girls circle is wide and flat, and the boys - narrow and convex.



• Pay attention to the tail of watermelon, it should be dry.



• The best time to buy ripe safe watermelon - the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

Signs of nitrate watermelon

1. The color of the pulp is intensely red with a purple hue.


2. The surface of the notch is smooth, but in a good watermelon it should sparkle with grains.


3. Fibers between crust and core with yellow tints.


4. Throw a piece of pulp in a glass of water and stir intensely: if the water becomes cloudy, then the watermelon is good, and if it turns pink or red, then it is better not to eat this watermelon.

The permissible norm of nitrates is 60 mg per 1 kg. Choose the "right" watermelon and eat watermelon on health!