Also known as mini piccolo hybrid or mini seedless watermelon, this fruit is small in size compared to other watermelons we are used to. One shouldn’t be deceived by the size though; this kind of watermelon is sweeter than others, as it carries lots of health benefits as well. Locally, in some specific groceries, one piece of piccolo hybrid goes for Rwf2, 500 to Rwf3, 000 depending on the size, just like bigger watermelon. According to Jean Marie Habimana, a vendor selling fruits and vegetables in Musanze District, the mini seedless watermelon is liked by mostly tourists and a few who are aware of the benefits that come along with it. He says that it’s hard for most people to go for them yet there are bigger ones that still go for the same price. David Rukerabigwi, a dietician and nutritionist in Kigali says mini seedless watermelon has been shown to contain a high content of water and is also juicier than others. Other than being sweet and juicy, he says this healthy fruit is said to be loaded with health benefits that can do good to your health. “This is also a hydrating, micronutrient-rich fruit with a host of vitamins with low calorie, which is essential when it comes to monitoring the calorie you are taking in,” he says. For instance, he says it is established that one cup or about 150 g of mini seedless watermelon can contain at least 0.6 g of fiber, along with 11.5 g of carbohydrates of which about 9 g are sugars. Still, he notes that it also contributes to a protein-rich diet with about 1 gram of protein in each 1-cup serving. Meanwhile, it has been shown that this watermelon is loaded with vitamins, whereby, it has 5 percent and 14 per cent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A and C respectively. In addition, it also contains 4 per cent each of the recommended potassium and magnesium intake. The best part about mini seedless watermelon he says is that it will keep one hydrated since it contains enough water, which is believed to help this curb one’s appetite and give them a feeling of fullness. Staying hydrated most often can prevent one from mouth dryness and is good for cardiovascular health. Staying hydrated will keep the body cool during hot weather as it will also help cleanse your body and keep your skin healthy. When it comes to keeping the diseases away, the nutritionists say consuming it will help in the prevention of the risks of developing heart disease, and asthma attacks and also aid in weight loss. For those who struggle to drink water on a daily basis, nutritionists say opting for this mini seedless watermelon can help them take in as much water as possible.
