Watermelon

Is there another fruit that announces summer's arrival quite like the watermelon? Believed to have originated in the Kalahari Desert of Africa, were often placed in the burial tombs of Egyptian kings to nourish them in the afterlife. You don’t need to be royalty to enjoy this ancient melon on a hot day.

By weight, watermelon is the most consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew. This annual is grown in favorable climates from tropical to temperate regions worldwide for its large edible fruit, which is a berry with a hard rind and no internal divisions.

The sweet, juicy flesh is usually deep red to pink, with many black seeds, although seedless varieties exist. Watermelon flesh can be eaten raw or pickled, and the rind is edible after cooking. Even the seeds, which have a nutty flavor, can be dried and roasted. The fruit is also commonly consumed as a juice or as an ingredient in mixed beverages. We love adding a couple cubes to ice water for a boost of flavor and vitamins.

---

Storage and Preparation

Uncut watermelon is best stored outside of the fridge as cold temperatures can cause damage to the flesh and affect the flavor. Cut watermelon should be stored in sealed container in the fridge and used within 5 days.

​Scrub the watermelon before cutting. Start by cutting off the ends to give the melon a base of support. Take a large sharp knife at an angle, set it where the white rind meets the red flesh on the top of the cut watermelon, begin to cut the rind off. Using the rind as a guide, continue to cut off until the watermelon is rind free. Trim any excess rind from the watermelon and cut it up into strips, cubes, or you can even leave the rind on and cut in triangles!

Nutrition Info

Watermelon is rich in water and electrolytes, making it a great snack during the summer heat. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and thiamine. Watermelon is also an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly lycopene (a compound also found in tomatoes). Antioxidants help prevent damage to cells in the body.

Cooking Ideas

• Watermelon is great eaten raw as a healthy snack or side dish.
• Watermelon can also be added to fresh salads or salsas for a sweet, crispy flavor
• Use watermelon in soups, cocktails, salads, tacos, and even sandwiches!

​Watermelon Shrimp Salad

Ingredients
1 seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 10 cups)
1 medium honeydew melon, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
2 pounds peeled and deveined cooked shrimp (31-40 per pound)
2 cups green grapes, halved
1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 small navel orange, peeled and sectioned
1 small red onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients.
2. Whisk together remaining ingredients. Drizzle over shrimp mixture and toss to coat.
3. Refrigerate at least 20 minutes before serving.
4. Toss before serving.

​Greek Watermelon Pizza

Ingredients
1 center-cut slice of watermelon, about 1 inch thick
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
⅛ cup diced tomato
1 tablespoon Kalamata olives, pitted and finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
Directions

1. Cut the round watermelon slice into 6 to 8 wedges, but keep them arranged into a circle.
2.  Sprinkle feta cheese, tomato, olives, and mint evenly over the watermelon.

Serve immediately.