Watermelon

No other fruit justifies summer like watermelon. It is probably no surprise how this juicy, refreshing fruit has this name. Watermelon has extremely high water content, approximately 92% and about 6 % sugar by weight giving its flesh a crumbly and crunchy texture and making it a favorite thirst-quenching fruit.

Although watermelons can now be found in the markets throughout the year, the season for watermelon is in the summer when they are sweet and of the best quality. For most antioxidants, choose fully ripened watermelon.

When choosing a whole watermelon, look for one that is heavy for its size with a rind that is relatively smooth and that is neither overly shiny nor overly dull. In addition, one side of the melon should have an area that is distinct in color from the rest of the rind, displaying a yellowish or creamy tone. This is the underbelly, the place that was resting on the ground during ripening, and if the fruit does not have this marking, it may have been harvested prematurely, which will negatively affect its taste, texture and juiciness.

Fresh watermelon may be eaten in a variety of ways and is also often used to flavor summer drinks and smoothies.

Watermelon is delicious to eat as is, depending upon the size that you desire, there are many ways to cut a watermelon. The flesh can be sliced, cubed or scooped into balls.

Jam, sorbet and juice are some nutritious and delicious things you can make with watermelon. Watermelon can be used in fruit salads, cut watermelon in half and scoop out the flesh and use the base/rind as a bowl for the fruits.

While many people are just accustomed to eating the juicy flesh of the watermelon, both the seeds and the rind are also edible. If you choose to eat the rind: used as a vegetable (can be marinated, pickled or candied) purchase an organic watermelon.Watermelon seeds are eaten as snack like sunflower seeds.

Purée watermelon, cantaloupe and kiwi together. Swirl in a plain yogurt and serve as refreshing cold soup.

Watermelon mixed with thinly sliced red onion, salt and black pepper makes a great summer salad.

Nutritional Profile

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a very good source of vitamin A and vitamin B6. In addition, watermelon is a good source of thiamin, lycopene, potassium and magnesium.