Beat The Heat With Watermelon

Cat's Commentary

I know I seem to be stuck on fruit lately, but my family would be lost without it during hot weather.

The other day I bought some watermelon juice (made by Dole) and it was such a big hit with everyone that I quickly realized I should have purchased three cartons instead of one.

I did not buy a watermelon, so of course we all wanted some.  Despite the fact that we had ice cream (three kinds), waffle cones, cherry cheesecake, cherry and apple pie.

I went searching through my recipes and found several good ideas for using fresh watermelon. I especially like the beverages and I hope you will find something to your liking too.

Anything to help us cool off would be great. Stay safe and stay cool!

image: watermelon.org

Featured Recipe: Watermelon Aguas Frescas

Ingredients

• 2 pounds seedless watermelon (1/8th of a good-size watermelon)
• 1 cup cold water
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup or agave nectar

Instructions

I highly suggest using agave syrup rather than simple syrup due to its lower glycemic index. 

For the simple syrup: Mix 1/4 cup water with 1/4 cup sugar. Bring to boil over medium-low heat and simmer, without stirring, until all sugar is dissolved (about three minutes). Remove from heat and cool. Store any unused syrup in the refrigerator.

For the beverage: Blend all ingredients, adjusting sweetness as needed. Serve chilled.

Makes about 4 servings

Watermelon Facts

• Watermelons originated in Southern Africa but were not as sweet as the fruit which are familiar to us now.
• Egyptians cultivated watermelon before the year 2000 BC.
• Some sects of vegetarians in India won't eat watermelon (or other foods) that are similar to color of flesh
• Japan developed the first square watermelon.
• Watermelon was brought to the U.S. by African slaves.
• The growing of watermelons in Massachusetts dates back to 1629
• U.S. citizens eat about 14.5 lbs of watermelon per year per capita.
• Watermelon seeds are edible and nutritious.
• Watermelons contain more lycopene (an antioxidant)  than any other type of fresh produce (15 to 20 mg per 2 cup serving).

Watermelon - The Fun Fruit

Help encourage children to eat fruit by creating this edible shark.  Thanks to the folks at Watermelon.org you can find the instructions for this as well as other "edible sculptures".