Watermelons are believed to have originated in the Kalahari Desert region of Africa. The earliest evidence of watermelon cultivation dates back to ancient Egypt, around 5,000 years ago. Egyptian hieroglyphics depict watermelons, and they were often placed in the tombs of pharaohs to nourish them in the afterlife.

The fruit was valued not only for its sweet, refreshing taste but also for its high water content, which was crucial in arid climates. Watermelons gradually spread along trade routes to other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean and Asia.

Watermelons made their way to India by the 7th century and China by the 10th century. China embraced the fruit, and it became a staple in Chinese cuisine. Today, China is the world’s largest producer of watermelons.

In Europe, watermelons were introduced via the Moors who brought them to Spain in the 13th century. The fruit quickly spread throughout Europe, becoming popular for its refreshing qualities.
Watermelons arrived in the Americas with European colonists and African slaves. By the 16th and 17th centuries, they were being grown in the southern United States and the Caribbean. Watermelons thrived in these warm climates, and their popularity continued to grow.