Watermelon

What can I say about this quintessential summer fruit? Watermelon is a favorite at picnics and family gatherings. It is tasty fruit that is also healthy for you. But make sure that you choose the watermelon that is perfect for you.

 

Watermelon comes in many varieties. There are icebox watermelons and mini watermelons and seedless watermelons and yellow watermelons. They grow in a long oval shape most of the time but can be round like a cantaloupe. The outer rind can be of a deep green color or striped light and dark green.

 

How do you choose a watermelon? I’ve never been quite sure how to tell a good watermelon from a bad one. That whole thumping thing never quite worked for me. I didn’t know what I was doing. They say that if you thump a watermelon and hear a hollow sound then it is a good watermelon. By good, I mean sweeter than sweet. I don’t know what those other guys mean.

 

Anyway, the experts say that you can tell if the watermelon is ripe if the underside is yellow. That will let you know how long it sat on the ground. A rind that is shiny and smooth is a good indicator of a healthy ripe watermelon. Also, avoid melons that have soft spots, bruises, splits, or any kind of fluid leaking out.

 

Now for the tasty part; Watermelons can stay at room temperature for a week with no problem. When you cut it, put it in the refrigerator and cover with plastic wrap.

 

The primary use for watermelons is as a sliced snack. Cut the watermelon in half and slice into wedges for easy eating. I loved watermelon as a kid but hated to keep spitting out the seeds. It would ruin my eating experience. But, you can also choose seedless varieties and avoid that annoying spitting habit. The little white soft seeds can be eaten and most are because they don’t crunch when you bite into them.

 

 

So, the watermelon is getting older and you aren’t interested in eating too much more as it is. Cube some of that watermelon and mix with mango, onion, and some cilantro to make a salsa side to complement your meat dish at dinnertime.  Use more of that cubed watermelon for fruit and green salads.

 

Even the rind of the watermelon can be used. Since the watermelon is technically a member of the gourd family like the cucumber, you can add some spices and pickle the rind. Pickled rind can be eaten by itself or used as a garnish.

 

Every part of your watermelon can be used. This year, you won’t have anything to throw away but the seeds.