...or white. The white-fleshed variety has an even poorer flavor. The taste may be sweet, bland, or sour; the sour ones are considered the lowest quality. Tao Hongjing A famous 5th-6th century Daoist physician and alchemist. noted in his commentary on "Melon Pedicels" that there was a "Cold Melon" in Yongjia A region in modern Zhejiang province. that grew very large and could be stored until spring; this is indeed the watermelon. Thus, before the Five Dynasties period 907–960 CE., watermelon seeds had already entered the eastern Zhejiang region, though they did not yet use the name "Watermelon" original: "西瓜" (Xigua); literally "Western Melon.", nor had the plant spread throughout China. Its seeds can be dried in the sun and the kernels extracted; they are excellent whether eaten raw or roasted. The rind is not fit to be eaten fresh, but it can be preserved in honey or pickled in soy paste. Wang Ying says: There is a variety called the "Yangxi Melon" which sprouts in autumn and ripens in winter. Its shape is slightly long, flat, and large. The flesh is the color of mutton fat and the flavor is superior. It can be kept until the following year. It is said to be a variety left behind by an extraordinary person original: "異人" (yiren); often implying a Daoist immortal or a sage with hidden knowledge..

Watermelon Flesh

Flavor and Nature: Sweet, bland, cold, and non-toxic.

Wang Rui says: It is slightly toxic. Eating too much causes vomiting and diarrhea. Those with weak stomachs should not eat it. If eaten together with fried oil cakes, it will damage the spleen.

Li Shizhen states: According to the Books on Longevity, Northerners have a robust constitution and are accustomed to eating it. Southerners have a "thinner" or more delicate constitution; eating too much easily leads to "sudden turmoil" original: "霍亂" (huoluan); a traditional term for acute vomiting and diarrhea, often corresponding to cholera-like symptoms. and cold-type illnesses that can last a lifetime. Furthermore, according to the Record of Mutual Influences original: "相感志" (Xianggan Zhi); a book detailing the sympathetic or "reactive" properties of natural objects.: If one eats the seeds after eating watermelon, they will not belch the scent of the melon. If the melon is sliced open and exposed to the sun for a short while before eating, it becomes as cold as ice-water. If it is exposed to the vapors of wine or placed near glutinous rice, it will rot easily; similarly, if it is stepped upon, the flesh easily becomes "sandy" original: "沙" (sha); referring to a mealy or granular texture..

Main Indications: Relieving Irritability, Quenching Thirst, and Clearing Summer Heat.

Wang Rui says: It treats throat blockage original: "喉痺" (houbi); characterized by swelling and pain in the throat making swallowing difficult..
Wang Ying says: It relaxes the chest, directs energy downward, and promotes urination original: "利小" (lixiao); short for "promoting the flow of small [urine].".