GET TO KNOW: Watermelon

By Sue

I always knew summer had finally arrived when I'd hear my father (a true New Englander) yell, "Who wants some whatamelon?" The thought brings me right back to my childhood when summer was in full swing, and just about the only thing that would get my siblings and I out of the lake was the promise of this sweet treat!

Health Benefits:

Loaded with vitamins C & A. Full of Potassium and Antioxidants. Fights Inflammation.

kid eating watermelon As kids, little did we know or care that this delectable thirst-quencher can also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. It is loaded with vitamin C, A and potassium as well as several powerful antioxidants. The health benefits of watermelon make enjoying it that much sweeter.

Flavor Profile:

Subtle Honey and Cucumber. Cool, Refreshing Finish.

As an adult I still love watermelon and have found some unique and interesting ways to use it. I would describe the flavor as subtle honey and cucumber with a cool refreshing finish. Perfect for a summer beverage, salad or side. With this flavor profile watermelon goes well with ingredients that counter balance the sweetness like red onions or peppers for heat, feta cheese for sourness or saltiness and mint for bitterness.

Selecting the Perfect Watermelon:

Rich Color. No White Seeds. No Cracking in Flesh.

watermelon slices When selecting a watermelon the riper it is, the better. How to tell?

If your grocery store or market has a sample cut in half, you can see the flesh. It should be deep in color with no white streaks or cracking. The seeds need to be dark indicating maturity and the rind deep green with very little yellow.

Recipes:

Watermelon Lemonade. Watermelon Arugula Salad. Grilled Flank Steak With Watermelon Peach Salsa.

My fist recipe is twist on an old classic - watermelon lemonade. Can you honestly think of a better drink to sip on a hot day?

My second recipe using watermelon is a sweet, spicy and savory Watermelon Arugula Salad. The balance of all these flavors makes this salad so out of this world that you and your guests will love it.

Last recipe is grilled flank steak with a watermelon salsa. Steak has such a hearty meaty flavor that the light sweet balance of watermelon is a perfect palate cleansing finish. This salsa is also good on fish and chicken or just served as an appetizer with chips.

Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon Arugula Salad

Grilled Flank Steak with Watermelon Peach Salsa

How do YOU enjoy watermelon?

Photo Credits: Ellen Munro, The Giant Vermin My Name is Harsha anieto2k

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You are what you eat has always been my motto. My focus has always been on keeping a simple approach to healthy eating. Lots of fresh whole flavors without fat, salt and sugar. Keep it as close to it's natural state as possible. The less your food is processed the…

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7 Comments

Jessica Corwin RD MPH July 11, 2012 at 7:38 PM

Absolutely LOVE fresh watermelon topped with thinly sliced red onion and feta, a dash of balsamic wouldn't hurt either :)
Erin Froehlich July 12, 2012 at 8:54 AM

A lot of people think this is weird, but I like a bit of salt on my watermelon. My grandma taught me to do it that way.
Big Dave July 12, 2012 at 9:03 AM

A friend of mine from Texas taught me about putting salt on watermelon.
Laura Hogg July 12, 2012 at 9:04 AM

I really wish I liked watermelon :( I enjoy the flavor, but I really don't enjoy eating the fruit. I like pretty much every other fruit on the planet.

I wonder if I would like it better if it were frozen? The texture seems like it would lend itself well to that.
Erin Froehlich July 12, 2012 at 10:50 AM

Dave - Could be a southern thing. My grandma's from Mississippi.
Erin Froehlich July 12, 2012 at 10:53 AM

Laura - If not the taste, I'm guessing it's the texture you don't like? I'd add some to your juicer or to a blender with a few other fruits or herbs if you're just looking for flavor and health benefits.
Erin Froehlich July 12, 2012 at 10:55 AM

Jessica - That sounds AMAZING and the feta would give it that salty addition I like.