Watermelon is Delicious Slice of Summer

There are so many reasons that I enjoy summer and one of them is being able to have fresh locally grown fruits — one of my new found favorites is watermelon.  I was one of those people that just cut a watermelon open and into slices, but to my amazement I have found so many other ways to enjoy watermelons, including the rind, for breakfast, lunch, snacks, or dinner.  And you know what one of the best parts is that it is a guilt-free indulgence of only 43 calories per cup!  Watermelon can be included in many diets.

If you are like me you will remember watermelons that were so large that they barely fit in the refrigerator, difficult to wash in the sink, and difficult to cut.  According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, today’s melon producers are giving us melons that are a size that is easier to cut, seedless, and a perfect size for a family or couple.

Selecting a Watermelon

Choosing a good watermelon is simple.

• Choose the size based on what you and your family will eat in a few days
  • Whole melon can be stored at room temperature for 1 week.
  • Whole melon can be stored for 2 weeks at 50-60 degree F.
• Look for a melon that is firm, heavy, and symmetrical with a creamy, yellow spot on the underside where it lays on the ground
  • A yellow spot is better than white, but white is better than no creamy color patch at all
  • Your watermelon should feel heavy for its size, so compare its weight with one of a similar size
  • Avoid melons with bruises, cuts, dents or soft spots
• Tap, just a tap the outside and listen for a light and almost hollow sounding thud
  • This indicates that the water and fruit are intact and has a stable structure

Food Safety and Melons

Because melons grow on the ground, they can become contaminated with microbes that are present in both soil and animal droppings. If you were to slice into an unwashed melon this could contaminate the fleshy edible fruit. Before you cut into your watermelon:

• Wash your hands and start with a clean food preparation area
• Use cool running water to clean the outside surface
  • Use a veggie brush to scrub the surface of the melon
• Dry the melon with a disposable paper towel after “washing”
• Use a clean knife, to cut and prepare as desired

Cut watermelon needs to be refrigerated in a covered container.  Covered, cut melon will keep 3 to 4 days.

What To Do With Watermelon

If you are like me, I do not always think beyond the slice of watermelon, but there are many ways to use it.

Watermelon is great for:

• Chilled Soup
• Drinks, Punch, or Slushies
• Salads
• Salsa
• Smoothies
• Sorbet
• Sports re-hydration

Freeze watermelon, yes freeze it!

• Remove the seeds and the rind
• Cut the melon into small cubes, slices or balls
• Pack the melon into plastic freezer containers or bags
  • By usable serving size
  • By planned purpose, i.e. smoothie
• Seal the container by removing as much air as possible
• Most frozen fruits maintain a good quality for 3 to 6 months.
  • For the best texture serve the frozen watermelon before it becomes completely thawed.

Preserve Watermelon Rind

• Preserves
• Pickles

 There are many ways to enjoy this summer favorite. For lots of fun ideas and recipes, explore the National Watermelon Association.