Watermelon and Summertime

Although today is National Watermelon Day eating watermelon has always been a part of my life. Ever since I was a little girl growing up in Texas these melons were constantly there during the summer months. My parents would buy these long, huge and heavy green fruits. Slice them up and place in the frig to get cold. Then later we would sit on the back patio eating slices of this delicious, sweet red food enjoying the summer afternoon. Ah, yes, those childhood memories.

Today, I have no backyard patio. But I do have the summer heat and my watermelon. Instead of purchasing large whole ones, I cheat a little. I use my visual disability as an excuse. Trying to do all that work washing, slicing, dicing and cleanup is just too much as a blind person. So, I buy it already cut up and ready to go. The grocery stores do all the work and provide them in little containers in chunks. This is perfect for my needs. I just swing through the produce section and grab a container or two of sweet and juicy watermelon. It is my favorite summertime fruit and complements my plant base lifestyle. Now, don’t get me wrong. I love grapes, peaches, nectarines, pears, pineapple, apples and all kinds of berries. But this time of the year watermelon is number one.

Here Are the Facts

It is refreshing. It is sweet. It is cool. It is nutritious. You just can’t beat it. I know, I sound like a commercial. And I am going to go a step farther with my praise in this post by sharing five facts from the Watermelon Board and Mayo Clinic about watermelons. And before I go I will even leave you with two quick and easy recipes you are sure to love.

1.  Watermelon is a vegetable not a fruit. But all things relative it can be seen both ways. Watermelon is a member of the cucurbitaceae plant family of gourds and classified as Citrullus lantus. Related to the cucumber, squash and pumpkin. It is planted from seeds or seedlings, harvested and cleared from the field like other vegetables. But like the pepper, tomato and pumpkin, watermelon is a fruit, botanically. It is the fruit of a plant originally from a vine of southern Africa. Loosely considered a type of melon.

2.  Watermelon is a disease fighter. It has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Lycopene is an antioxidant linked to decreased risk of cancer, heart disease and age-related eye conditions, like macular degeneration.

3.  Watermelon hydrates. As its name so clearly states, 92% of watermelon contains water. It is the most common melon eaten in America and is perfect for staying refreshed and hydrated on a hot summer day.

4.  A watermelon is completely edible, including the seeds and the rind. This means watermelon is a zero-food waste food. The green skin is edible by cooking and/or pickled.

5.  When selecting a watermelon Look it over carefully. Scan for firmness free from bruises, cuts or dents. Scratching is fine because of all the handling in getting to market. Next, lift it up. It should be very heavy for its size. Lastly, turn it over. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.

Two Watermelon Recipes

Now as I promised here are two watermelon recipes to keep you cool and rejuvenated.

1.  Watermelon Arugula Salad

This one has no official measurements so add as much or as little ingredients as you desire.

*baby arugula lettuce

*watermelon chunks

*feta cheese crumbles

*roasted nuts (Sliced almonds or pecans work best. Roast them in oil with a sprinkling of cayenne or red pepper)

*strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing

In a bowl place baby arugula lettuce. Top with diced chunks of watermelon. Add feta cheese crumbles and roasted nuts. Lightly toss. Then drizzle with strawberry vinaigrette. Eat and enjoy.

2. Watermelon Lemonade

Move over Arnold Palmer! This beverage will quinch any thirst. Easy to make with just two ingredients.

*Watermelon chunks

*Your favorite lemonade

Place watermelon chunks and juice in blender. Pour juice into pitcher with lemonade. Like an Arnold Palmer, half and half works best. Sip and enjoy.