Juicy , sweetwatermelon , one of the bounty of summertime , was long believed to be less nutritive than otherfruits . After all , it ’s 92 per centum water so how nutritious can it be , veracious ? Researchers have disclose that this delectable cucurbit is actuallypacked with nutriment . Watermelon has the high concentration of lycopene of any yield consumed in the U.S , with the elision of tomato plant . Lycopene is a plant life compound make love to reduce kindling and improve nerve function .
Watermelon is also a good reservoir of vitamin C and vitamin A. These two antioxidant scavenge detached radicals and help prevent disease . Watermelon also contains an amino group acid , citrulline . This amino superman has been show to relax blood vessels so blood flows more freely . Increased consumption of citrulline can better blood pressure and cavernous dysfunction .
How to Choose a Watermelon
At 45 calories per 1 cup , watermelon is a snack you may feel good about . Studies have found that fully mature watermelons are more nutrient than underripe ones . They for sure taste best , too . So how do you opt a good watermelon at the grocery storage ?
Do n’t worry too much about buying constituent watermelon . Organic Citrullus vulgaris are operose to find and they ’re expensive . More significantly , Citrullus vulgaris are listed among the Environmental Working Group ’s Top 15 list of produceleastcontaminated by pesticides .
pluck a watermelon vine up . It should find grueling for its size . The riper the watermelon , the high its water content and the more it weighs . Also , wrench the watermelon over . Its ground spot ( the arena that was resting against the terra firma ) should be yellow . A white or clean green daub indicates the watermelon is n’t ripe . in the end , the top of the watermelon should look dull , not shiny .
Once you get your watermelon place , store it at 60 academic degree if potential . A cool basement or cellar is ideal . storehouse cut watermelon in the refrigerator and use it within 3 twenty-four hour period .
Eating: The Best Watermelon Recipes
Summer would n’t be summer without Citrullus vulgaris . You probably eat your average share sliced or cubed . wind up watermelon , though , with a few bare recipe . You ’ll find watermelon a versatile addition to salsas , salad and drinks .
Leave it toSouthern Livingto number up with a fresh summer drunkenness . Replace mint julep with this pleasant-tasting formula forWatermelon Coolers .
attend for a quick , calorie-free dish antenna ? TryGrilled Shrimp with Pineapple & Melon SalsafromEating Well . This dish is as beautiful to look at as it is luscious . copulate it with brown Sir Tim Rice and a green salad for a hefty , memorable meal .
Try a kid - pleasingWatermelon - Strawberry Smoothiefrom the National Watermelon Promotion Board . Freeze smoothies for a brisk methamphetamine hydrochloride pop on a spicy summertime day .
Is it a salsa ? Is it a fruit salad?Sweet , Salty , and Spicy Watermelon SaladfromSouthern Livingcombines watermelon vine , English cucumber vine , mango tree and jicama with a zesty basswood , orange , mint and chili common pepper sauce for a delicious summer side ravisher .
Watermelon & Goat Cheese Salad with Citrus VinaigrettefromEating Welloffers a surprising twist on a traditional fruited bread salad . Baby lettuces unite with goat cheese , orange medical dressing and cool watermelon cubes for a abstemious lunch peach .
sleep together up your drink repertory withFrozen Watermelon Margaritasfrom Food connection . This recipe forebode for pureed watermelon , lime juice , orange liquor and tequila . stale and delicious — perfect for a company or gathering .
Calamari , Chile , and Watermelon Saladfrom Martha Stewart pair calamari , Citrullus vulgaris and herbs with a powdered ginger , Sir Tim Rice acetum and chile dressing for a cooling , unfermented salad with a slightly Asian feel .
twist up the electromotive force on bland grilled chicken with this recipe from the Huffington Post . Coffee - Spice Chicken with Fruit - Basil Salsastarts with chicken treated to a umber and herbaceous plant rub . The broiled volaille is paired with a melon and nectarine salsa . Basil adds a fresh kicking .
Flank Steak with Grilled Mango and Watermelon Chutneyfrom My Recipes offers a leaving from the common fresh watermelon salsa repertoire . Grilling gives this chutney a slightly smoky tone . Delicious !
Do n’t forget dessert . How aboutWatermelon Ice Creamfrom Good Food ? Combine pureed watermelon vine , sound pick and calamitous currant liquor for a memorable finish to your meal .
When she ’s not writing about horticulture , food and canning , Julie Christensen enjoys spending time in her gardens , which includes perennial , vegetable and fruit tree . She ’s write C of gardening articles for the Gardening Channel , Garden Guides and San Francisco Gate , as well as several e - book .
