Watermelon Wonders

There’s nothing better on hot summer day than a cool slice of watermelon.  No wonder, watermelon is 92 percent water. It is not only tasty, but healthy, too.  In fact, it is considered a functional food, meaning it is a health-promoting food with disease prevention characteristics. Watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C, B6, thiamine as well as the mineral, potassium. It also contains a powerful phytochemical, lycopene. Phytochemicals are plants with disease prevention properties. Lycopenes may be a potential agent in preventing cancers of the prostate, stomach and lungs. Lycopene is also contained in tomatoes, guava and red grapefruit. More good news is that watermelon has only 80 calories for 2 cups and has no fat, cholesterol with very little sodium.

Selecting a Watermelon

Choose a watermelon that has no blemishes like cuts or bruises.  It should have a nice yellow spot on the bottom or its belly, which comes from lying on the ground and ripening in the sun. Pick up the watermelon, it should be heavy for its size. When choosing precut watermelon, look for a nice red color and smooth surface. Seedless watermelon, very popular is just as sweet.  Give yellow watermelon a try, also a tasty treat.

Storing a Watermelon

Store uncut watermelon at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Once cut, keep it in the refrigerator in a covered container. Use baggies or small plastic containers for handy snacks. Don’t worry, it won’t last long in most households.

Slice or cube

To prepare the watermelon, wash it in cold water. Use a clean knife and cutting board on secured on a wet paper towel. 

1. Cut in wedges – cut the whole watermelon in half lengthwise and then in half again. Cut each quarter into slices for triangle-shaped wedges.
2. Cut in cubes – cut the ends of the watermelon. Turn the watermelon on one edge and peel off the rind with a sharp knife, cutting all the way around. Next, cut in round slices, stack a few and cut into cubes.
3. Balls – Use a melon baller or ice cream scoop to cut the melon into balls. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise, and then scrape the pulp with the baller.  It is lovely to use the empty rind as a serving dish.

Serve

It can be fun to try different ways to serve watermelon, making it appealing for adults and kids alike. For instance, put watermelon along with other fruit on a bamboo stick for a colorful treat. You can also freeze watermelon on stick for really cool treat that kids will love. Mix seeded watermelon with lemonade in a blender for refreshing drink. Make a wonderful sundae with watermelon chunks, fresh berries and some fat-free whipped cream. Freeze slices of watermelon and serve with lime, great after your workout. Make watermelon salsa to serve on fish or with baked chips.  Try this easy recipe:

Watermelon Salsa

• Equal parts watermelon cubes and chopped tomatoes
• Small amount chopped green onion
• Small amount chopped chili peppers

Season with cumin and hot pepper and serve.

Watermelon is truly summertime favorite and so good for you.  Enjoy!

Adapted from Food and Health Communications with Permission