Ever wondered why the juicy inside of a watermelon is, well, so gloriously red?
The secret lies in a powerful little pigment called lycopene.
Lycopene is actually a type of carotenoid, the same family of natural pigments that gives tomatoes their red, carrots their orange, and many other fruits and veggies their wonderful hues. It’s also a fantastic antioxidant!
As a watermelon ripens, it produces more and more of this lycopene. Think of it like a signal, saying “Hey, I’m ready to eat!” This process is similar to how other fruits change color as they mature.
Besides making watermelons super appealing, lycopene is good for us, too! It helps protect our bodies from damage, acting like a tiny shield.
So, next time you bite into that refreshing red slice, remember it’s all thanks to lycopene, painting your favorite summer fruit its signature, vibrant crimson!