A Satisfying Summer Treat

There are quite a few things that bring pure summertime joy—snacking on a fresh slice of juicy watermelon in the warm sunshine is certainly one of them! And because it’s made of 92% water, it quenches your thirst while satisfying your sweet tooth.

What’s Inside? Eating watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated and contains a long list of antioxidants and vitamins too. It gets its red color from lycopene. Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or vegetable. Just one cup provides 46 calories, 12 g carbs, 865 IU vitamin A, 12 mg vitamin C, 170 mg potassium, .1 mg vitamin B6, and zero fat or sodium.  

Choosing a Watermelon: When selecting a watermelon, look for one that is symmetrical, firm, and heavy for its size. The underside of the watermelon where it touched the ground while growing is called the field spot.  This should be a buttery yellow to dark yellow. If it’s white, the melon hasn’t reached peak ripeness yet.

Storing a Watermelon: Before cutting, your watermelon should be stored at room temperature. After harvesting, watermelon can typically be stored for 14 to 21 days. The melons will be tastier and more nutritious if stored at room temperature. Once cut, any leftovers need to be refrigerated.

Cutting a Watermelon: Scroll down for a visual guide on how to create long rectangular pieces that are easy for little hands to eat. There are so many ways to enjoy the sweet goodness of a watermelon, so give our recipes below a try too. They take the benefits of this delicious fruit to the next level!

Watermelon Cucumber Salad, Serves 6

Ingredients:

6-7 cups watermelon, chopped
2 cucumbers, peeled & chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
½ lime, juiced
¼ cup basil, chopped
¼ cup red onion, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
Balsamic vinegar or glaze

Directions:

1. Combine watermelon, basil, onion, and cucumbers in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the feta, lime juice, salt, and olive oil. Give it a good stir.
3. Plate and drizzle with balsamic vinegar or glaze before serving.

(Recipe adapted from https://ladyandtheblog.com/watermelon-cucumber-salad/)

Strawberry Watermelon Mint Water

Ingredients:

Pitcher of water
10 large strawberries, quartered
2 cups watermelon, cubed
½ cup mint leaves

1. Fill pitcher halfway with water.
2. Add fruit and mint.
3. Then fill the rest of the pitcher with water.
4. Chill for 1 to 8 hours before serving.

If you drink all the water, you can use the fruit for up to 8 hours, so just add more water!