Watermelon is a very popular fruit, especially in the summer, because its sweet flesh and refreshing taste make it a great way to beat the heat. What you may not know, however, is that watermelons were once a hard currency in history, widely used to exchange goods and pay wages.
In the pre-19th century in the American South, cotton was the main cash crop, and watermelon was seen as a complementary crop. Watermelons have a shorter growth cycle and can be planted before the cotton is harvested and reaped the benefits. As a result, many farmers will grow watermelons alongside cotton to increase their income**.
Watermelon quickly became a popular trading currency due to its refreshing taste and ease of preservation and transportation. In the American South at that time, people would exchange watermelons for other goods, such as clothing, tools, etc. In addition, some employers also use watermelons to pay their workers because watermelons are both practical and popular.
Interestingly, watermelons are also used as voting rewards in some regions. For example, in the 19th-century American South, politicians would offer free watermelons to voters at election events in exchange for their support. This practice was called "watermelon diplomacy" at the time, reflecting the important position of watermelon in social life.
In addition to being a trading currency and voting reward, watermelons have left a unique mark on the cultural and artistic sectors. For example, in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, watermelons became a popular painting subject, and many artists tried to express their love of life and yearning for summer by depicting watermelons.
Nowadays, although watermelon is no longer used as a currency, it is still loved by people across the globe. With the development of science and technology, the cultivation technology of watermelon has also been greatly improved, so that we can taste more varieties and higher quality watermelons.
In conclusion, watermelon is not only a delicious fruit, it also has a rich history and cultural connotation. From being a trading currency to being the subject of art, watermelons have played a variety of roles in human life. Knowing these trivia about watermelon may give you a new understanding of this summer heat.