Summer is unimaginable without watermelon. We have already shown you some tricks on how to get a ripe andchoose sweet watermeloncan. Now we have collected useful tips on how to tell if there are nitrates in a watermelon.
How unhealthy are nitrates in watermelon?
The most common cause of watermelon poisoning is nitrates. These substances are contained in fertilizers that greatly enrich the soil to accelerate the growth of watermelon plants. Although, according to some watermelon growing experts, no one treats early watermelons with nitrates or other harmful fertilizers anymore, because there have long been ultra-early ripening varieties and hybrids of watermelons and other crops of every color and flavor that do not require “acceleration”. But the statistics on poisoning accidents have not decreased significantly.
The first clinical manifestations of nitrate poisoning usually occur several hours after eating a “bad” watermelon. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, severe headache, fatigue, cramps and joint pain, and in some cases fever. Since watermelon is usually consumed in large quantities at once, the concentration of toxins entering the body is quite large, which aggravates the situation. But even if you ate a small amount of watermelon, poisoning can occur due to the high nitrate content.
In addition to poisoning, the popular summer fruit can be dangerous in chronic or acquired diseases such as diabetes, pyelonephritis, kidney stones, stomach ulcers, etc. Watermelons should be consumed with great caution by older people; they are particularly dangerous for children under one year old and nursing mothers because of the high nitrate content. According to a study, watermelon was alsowith migraine attacks in migraine patientsassociated.
5 Signs of Nitrates in a Watermelon
1. A yellow peel is a sign of a high concentration of nitrates
Nitrogen is an important element for the growth and development of plants. However, watermelon growers tend to exceed the acceptable norms because this trick helps the fruits grow up to 12 kg in just 3 weeks. However, poisoning occurs after consumption. Therefore, when cutting the fruit, pay attention to the color of the peel - it should not be yellow, while the pulp should not have white stripes.
2. Check if the watermelon has holes
Some people believe that holes in watermelons are traces of insects and not nitrate meters, but still try not to buy fruits with holes. Even if it is good inside, some of the pulp will be spoiled because of the hole.
3. Don't eat a watermelon with a large, hollow center
Cracks in the flesh indicate that the fruit is overripe or contains growth hormones such as forchlorfenuron. An overripe watermelon can be a little bitter, while a watermelon with growth hormones can cause poisoning and even other health consequences. That's why it's better not to eat the fruit if you see it in this state.
4. Before eating the watermelon, do the test with water
You can check the nitrate concentration in a watermelon and avoid poisoning by adding a small piece of the pulp to a glass of water. If the fruit is dangerous, the water will turn light pink and you should better throw away the melon.
5. A watermelon should not be light when you lift it
Sometimes even a beautiful dark green rind, a yellow field spot and a dry stem cannot guarantee that this watermelon is delicious. Remember to always weigh it before purchasing - it should be heavy. If there are no scales in the store, listen to your instincts. A ripe fruit should be quite heavy when you pick it up.
Poisoning can also occur due to non-compliance with certain hygiene regulations. Only buy whole watermelons, because when cutting with a knife, the microorganisms from the blade get onto the fruit. They multiply quickly in this sweet, warm environment, especially under the cling film, and can cause intestinal diseases. You can catch all kinds of infections, from E. coli to dysentery. Also avoid shopping near busy highways as watermelons easily absorb toxins from the air.
