Wonderful Watermelon
Watermelon is an all-American favorite for meals and snacks. People can't seem to get enough of this sweet treat. Find out more about ways to pick the best watermelons and some fun tips for making the most of your melon.
About watermelon
In 1999, more than 4 billion pounds of watermelon were produced
in the United States, making it the most-consumed melon in the
country, followed by cantaloupe and honeydew. Watermelon is 92
percent water, has no fat and is high in fiber and vitamins A
and C, making it a healthy snack.
Cool watermelon ideas
Try freezing watermelon juice in ice cube trays to add to
lemonades and fruit punches for a flavorful addition to your
drink. An easy way to do this is to put a few cups of de-seeded
watermelon in a blender and mix it until smooth. (You will
probably want to run it through a strainer before putting it in
an ice tray.) Then freeze and enjoy.
If you have a traditional watermelon-loving family that loves to eat whole large watermelons at picnics and barbecues, why not shake things up and bring a yellow watermelon to your next picnic. They taste just as great as a red watermelon, but they're yellow!
Make your salsa or relish really "cool" by substituting watermelon for tomatoes in your favorite recipe. Serve with grilled chicken, fish or pork. Try watermelon salsa with chips, too.
Choosing a whole watermelon
What makes a watermelon great? Here are some tips on choosing
the perfect watermelon, whether it's at your local grocery
store or from a roadside stand.
1. Look the watermelon over, choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents.
2. Lift it up - the watermelon should be heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92 percent water, that accounts for most of its weight.
3. Turn it over - on the underside of the watermelon there should be a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
Choosing and handling pre-cut watermelon
Often, watermelon is sold in pieces. To make sure your
watermelon is - and stays - tasty and juicy, choose carefully,
following these tips:
1. Select watermelon with flesh that appears dense and firm.
2. Refrigerate to preserve maximum freshness.
3. Cover the cut surface of a melon with plastic wrap to prevent the flesh from becoming mushy.
4. Store chunks of watermelon in covered plastic containers.
De-seeding watermelon
If you would like to de-seed a watermelon, here's a nice and
easy way to do it. This is perfect to dice up into chunks for a
snack, use in salsa, mix into drinks or anything else you would
use watermelon for.
1. Cut watermelon in half, then in quarters. (Be sure to wash your watermelon and knives before cutting into it.)
2. Cut through the flesh of the melon along the seed line with a pairing knife. Now, lift off the piece of the melon you just cut.
3. Using a fork, scrape the seeds from the piece you just removed and the remaining flesh on the rind.
About this article: This information was adapted and reprinted from material provided by the National Watermelon Promotion Board. Used with permission.
© Copyright 2003-11 SheKnows, LLC and/or individual copyright holders. All Rights Reserved.
Member Comments On...
Wonderful Watermelon
3 |
I can attest to looking for that yellow spot on the watermelon when choosing a good, ripe one! I thought it looked weird, but someone working at my grocery store said a little yellow within the green meant it was ripe. Don't forget to hold the watermelon to your ear and knock on it -- it should sound hollow, otherwise it'll be mushy, my grocer told me. Well, he was right all around and we had ourselves a great summer treat.
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