The hidden danger of watermelons has been named

Early watermelons may contain more nitrates due to fertilizers that accelerate the growth of the berry.

This was reported to RIA Novosti journalists by Dmitry Karpenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Outpatient Therapy at the Institute of Clinical Medicine of Pirogov University.

As Karpenko explained, the main source of summer intestinal infections is contamination and pathogenic microorganisms that settle on the surface of products. With nitrates, however, things are not so straightforward. According to the specialist, their concentration may be elevated in early watermelons, since the growth of the berries is artificially accelerated with nitrogen fertilizers.

The expert added that if nitrate compounds accumulate anywhere, it is predominantly in the light-colored zone of the flesh near the rind — and it is precisely this part of the fruit that he advises against eating.

"The truly peak and most flavorful watermelon season arrives at the end of July and in August. It is during this period that the main harvest of melons and gourds grown in open ground reaches store shelves. The widest selection and the lowest prices are traditionally expected in August and early September," Karpenko noted.