“Wuverly” Watermelon!

imageWuverly watermelon …….those were the mumbled words of a precocious little girl at the market as she helped her mother select the perfect melon to take home.

I agree. Wuverly indeed!

I am always amazed at nature’s timing for the ripening of vegetables and fruits throughout the seasons.

imageJust when summer gets hot, humid, and unbearable, watermelon appears at our markets and grocery stores.

For good reasons….they are full of water and vitamins to beat the heat.

Watermelons are pink and sassy. They are sweet and juicy.

Did you know that this melon has more lycopene than tomatoes and it is more easily absorbed? Lycopene is the antioxidant that gives tomatoes and watermelon its reddish pigment. It provides cardiovascular benefits, including reducing the risk of stroke and high blood pressure.

Juicy watermelon not only provides you with well needed hydration (it is over 90% water) but also vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, and magnesium.

Because of the high vitamin A (beta carotene) content it is great for your skin. This nutrient is required for sebum production and keeps your hair moisturized. Good news for me! It is necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues. This vitamin also boosts eye health.

For those that suffer from acid reflux, eating watermelon helps! It alkalizes your body and helps to reduce inflammation and acid production. It soothes the gastrointestinal tract.

Wow. Did you know there were so many perks to this pretty pink fruit?

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Watermelon is a no fuss and healthy dessert. Here are a few more fun suggestions for adding more watermelon to your summer diet:

?Watermelon infused water. Just add cut up melon and let it steep in the fridge overnight.                                                                              ?Watermelon smoothie with mint and cucumbers.                        ?Fruit kabobs with melon and berries.                                                                           ?Fruit salad with watermelon and peaches and yogurt on top.                                                     ?Watermelon and feta cheese on arugula salad. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.                                                                  ?Watermelon popsicles.                                                                ?Iced tea with watermelon chunks and a sprig of basil for garnish.          ?Watermelon salsa.                                                                       ?Grilled watermelon as a side dish.                                              ?Watermelon ice cubes. Cut some chunks of the melon and freeze. Add to sparkling water for some pizzaz. Here is another refreshing recipe for a festive watermelon beverage.                                                                                           ?Fruit cake…not the old fashioned kind….but make a tower of sliced fruit including watermelon, bananas, grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple etc. Sprinkle with shredded coconut. Be creative! imagePinterest is loaded with photos.                                                       ?Watermelon pizza. Spread cream cheese or marscapone on flat slices of melon and then garnish with other fruit, chocolate chips, coconut, and/or nuts.

Did you know you can also eat the rind and the seeds? Yes!

The seeds contain iron, zinc, protein and fiber. You can eat them raw or roast them with a little bit of sea salt. The rind is full of good chlorophyll and amino acids so add it to your smoothie and blend away!

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While watermelon seed spitting is an amusing summer activity, don’t forget to munch on a few!

Seasonal eating. Mother Nature. Are you taking advantage of it?!

Cheers! Enjoy your wuverly watermelon!

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Comments

“Wuverly” Watermelon! — 6 Comments

  1. I have certainly eaten the seeds (Kinda by mistake) but had no idea they were good for me. I suppose, over the ages, experimental cooks have tried to figure out what to do with them (besides suggest spitting contests).

  2. Love watermelon! I can remember enjoying eating the seeds as a child. Nice to know they have a nutritional value- just cant
    imagine eating the rind though

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