Perhaps it should be said that what I love most about the Summer, from the kitchen perspective, is the availability of the best fruit – and all the wonderful ways you can enjoy it. Yesterday, I went on again about Peaches. Today, it is Watermelon!
Isn’t it amazing, that just when you need it most, nature (or man, depending on your perspective) anticipates your needs and sends forth the answer to your prayers?? In this case, during those hottest and most humid weeks of Summer, nature presents: the melons – those luscious, water and fiber packed gems that are low calorie, are replenishing and cooling – and are just what you wished for, before you even knew it!
First of all, watermelon is 91-94% water, and, in addition to the great benefit of re-hydrating you during these scorching days, these big bowling (or little bocce) balls of Summer are now being touted as, not just refreshing as can be, but very healthy, to boot! They even have their very own National Promotion Board! (see below).
Watermelon is now considered the best source of lycopene (greater than tomatoes), a great antioxidant, which, together with its abundant carotenoids, help fight heart disease and several types of cancer. It is also an excellent source of Vitamins A, C and B6. Add to the list: potassium, and helps the body’s proper electrolyte and acid-base balance, and helps lower the risk of high blood pressure. Finally, it also contains the amino acids citruline and arginine, which can help maintain the arteries, blood flow and overall cardiovascular function. (Source: Discovery Fit and Health). What’s not to like about this story???? So, go ahead and indulge!
On tonight’s menu – from Food 52:
http://food52.com/recipes/295-watermelon-and-arugula-salad
I’m just adding some grilled chicken and I’ll have a fast and cool dinner!
Check out this Huff Post Taste compendium of Watermelon recipes: It ‘s great!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/05/watermelon-recipes-salad-drink_n_1652006.html
It includes some great classics, such as:
- Tomato and Watermelon Salad
- Strawberry and Watermelon Spring Salad
- Watermelon Agua Fresca
plus some more whimsical recipes, such as:
- Salted Watermelon Granita with Ginger Syrup
- Jalapeno Watermelon Limeade
- Watermelon Martini
- Watermelon Basil Bramble Cocktail
- Watermelon Gin Fizz
- Watermelon and Fennel Salad
- popsicles – such a big food item this Summer!
photo courtesy nourishingmeals.com
When I think of watermelon, I think whimsical thoughts and recipes. But, mostly I think of my memories of childhood when my mom would put out big platters of watermelon slices, cut into triangles, which we’d all enjoy as dessert after a family picnic together with s’mores – cooked on sticks, not forks. Later, I learned to carve a whole oblong watermelon into a basket, and when it was scooped out, filled it with a delicious fruit salad.
Watermelon “Art” is a huge thing. If you look online, you will see the most amazing designs and all about contests that are had each year. I personally sticky to my rudimentary basket and may attempt the swan someday soon. I confess, I don’t have the patience to do this!
photo courtesy epicr.com
Other recipes to consider?
- granitas (see Claudia Fleming’s), sorbets, coolers, spritzers, mousse, mousse cake
- a charlotte – http://wendyinkk.blogspot.com/2012/11/lime-watermelon-charlotte-with-mint_19.html
- more refreshing drinks: http://www.foodandwine.com/slideshows/watermelon-drinks/1
- a great cooler: http://dineanddish.net/2010/07/a-little-know-it-all-recipe-watermelon-cooler/
- ice cream (yes) – http://theaprilblake.com/2011/07/real-watermelon-ice-cream/
- Gingery Watermelon Paletas from July Bon Appetit
- from the National Watermelon Promotion Board: http://www.watermelon.org/recipes/Watermelon-Recipes.aspx?cat=8&Name=Entrees
- more, from Yummly: http://www.yummly.com/blog/2012/07/10-juicy-refreshing-watermelon-recipes/
and speaking of Bon Appetit, check out the new (July) issue – especially the article entitled, Pretty in Pink – many great (cool) ideas (Cantaloupe Gazpacho, Cantaloupe in Pink Peppercorn Sauce). If I keep listing here, I’ll be writing forever.
Anyway, I am going to pursue more ingenious recipes for watermelon. Will Keep You Posted!
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