chlorophyll loss and thus ripeness, and a solid
resonance when thumped.
In addition to being eaten fresh,
watermelon flesh is pickled and candied
(often after a preliminary drying), and cooked
down into a syrup or thick puree. The dense
rind is often made into sour or sweet
preserves. There is a subgroup of
watermelons, C. lanatus citroides, known as
citron or preserving melons, with inedible
flesh but abundant rind for these preparations.
Both melon and watermelon seeds are used in
several regions, roasted or ground and infused
to make beverages.
Fruits From Arid Climates:
Fig, Date, and Others
Cactus Pear “Cactus pear” is the modern
marketing term for “prickly pear” (Spanish
tuna), the fruit of the American cactus
Opuntia ficus-indica. The species name comes