As far as fresh fruits and vegetables go, watermelons are a good source of Lycopene.  The NWPB research shows that a two-cup serving of watermelon contains 18.16 milligrams of Lycopene.  Their research also shows that coming in second place is a fresh tomato at 4 milligrams for one medium sized tomato.  Clearly, watermelons are the leader.

The key to this claim is that the National Watermelon Promotion Board is limiting its bragging rights to "fresh produce."  If all forms of fruits and vegetables, including those of the processed variety, were considered, processed tomatoes would clearly be king.  But the point isn't to quibble about processed or fresh, instead I wish to applaud the NWPB's efforts.  The research is mounting that Lycopene has amazing health benefits.  We chronicled many of these studies in our December issue.  People are taking notice.  You have probably noticed the national advertising campaign that is touting Lycopene benefits and the fact that it has been added to their daily vitamins.

The watermelon has added its voice to the chorus.  While they can't make a direct health claim yet, they are making it clear that Lycopene is beneficial...and the more you have of it, the better it is.  In the health claim that will say something like "emerging research suggests" that Lycopene has health benefits.  While this language is very conservative in nature, it does get the point across.

Unfortunately, there is one major voice missing in the singing of the praises of the health benefits of Lycopene.  That would be the processing tomato industry.  We have the best story to tell and we are not telling it.  The best source of Lycopene in the American diet is processed tomato products.  A recent study shows that the top seven ways Americans get Lycopene in their diet is with processed tomato products.  They key items are: ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, tomato soup, tomato juice and vegetable juice.  The top three items contain 5 grams per ounce, while the next four are in the neighborhood of three grams per ounce.  Watermelons check in a little over one gram per ounce.

The time is now to let consumers know that the best place to get their Lycopene is processed tomatoes.  With the proper effort we can make the claim that tomato is the king in providing the benefits of Lycopene and that processed tomatoes is the best form to deliver the benefits of this remarkable antioxidant.

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