Is there any food more refreshing that watermelon on a really hot day?
The local watermelon season has begun, and it doesn’t get much better than that. Seeded or seedless, it’s a favorite summertime fruit, right up there with the blueberries, peaches and nectarines already in season locally.
Mark Twain once said that tasting watermelon meant discovering what the angels eat. Sweet and juicy, it satisfies hunger as well as thirst in a very delightful way.
People have been eating watermelon for 5,000 years and cross-breeding has made them the sweet treat they are today.
Originally yellow inside, they became red when they were bred to be sweeter, according to horticulturalist Harry Paris of the Agricultural Research Organization in Israel.
Watermelon has more nutrition than most people realize. Low in calories – 46 in a cup – it also is rich in antioxidants. It has vitamins A and C, potassium and magnesium.
Unexpected benefits include that it lowers fat accumulation and reduces soreness after a workout.
Most often we like to eat fresh watermelon by the slice, but it also is good in cold soups, salads, beverages, salsa and pureed in smoothies. Here is a simple, refreshing salad recipe from dinneratthezoo.com.
3 cups watermelon, cubed or balled
1½ cups sliced cucumber with seeds removed
2 tablespoons mint, thinly sliced, or small leaves
⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Place the watermelon, cucumbers and mint in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the melon mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta and serve.
This refreshing recipe is from eatthis.com.
12 to 18 watermelon chunks
3 ounces agave nectar
5 ounces water
6 ounces fresh lime juice
12 ounces tequila
Ice
In a large pitcher, combine the watermelon, agave nectar, and water, and gently muddle.
Add the fresh lime juice and tequila.
Top with ice and give it a stir to incorporate the ingredients.
Serve over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel or watermelon chunk.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
