Featured Fab Food: Watermelon

In honor of National Watermelon Day, the featured fab food is… you guessed it, watermelon.

Watermelon.  The ideal summer fruit.  Wet, refreshing, sweet, and never slows you down.  And if that’s not good enough, it is also filled with healthy benefits to keep your body thriving.

While 92% of this melon is made up of water, it is the highest fruit in lycopene, a red pigment that acts as an antioxidant that protects against cell damage and cancer.  It is also a good source of Vitamin B6, C, as well as A, which is important for eye health.  Watermelon is a great post workout snack as it also contains potassium, known for alleviating muscle cramps.  In addition, it also helps lower blood pressure and erectile dysfunction.  Seems like it should make for a great aphrodisiac then also…

When & Where:  Watermelon in season usually from May until October.  It’s greatest peak is in August.  When choosing a whole melon, look for one that is firm with a smooth rind that isn’t too shiny or dull.  It should also have an ‘underbelly’, an area on it’s side containing a yellowish or creamy tone.  This is from the place it was resting on the ground during ripening and indicates a positive harvest.  When choosing from a pre-cut selection, look for one deep in color, absent of white streaks and a sweet fragence.

How to store:  Before opening, watermelon will keep for up to a week at room temperature.   Wash and dry the rind before opening.  After cutting it into slices or chucks, refrigerate and eat within a few days. 

Go organic:  The preferred choice, however due to it’s thick rind, it is not as dangerous to purchase watermelon from a non-organic vendor.  The rind protects the melon’s flesh from absorbing pesticides or other harmful air pollutants. 

Below are some delicious and alternate ways to enjoy watermelon.   Please share any recommendations you have as well!

Watermelon slushy

3 cups cubed seedless watermelon

1 cup ice

1 tablespoon honey

1 lime

A satisfying blended beverage.  Add watermelon, ice, and honey to blender.  Blend until the mixture becomes an icy texture.  Garnish with a lime to squeeze in for an extra kick of flavor.  Serves you and three other fabulous friends.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

4 cups arugula

1 seedless watermelon

½ cup feta cheese

¼ cup chopped red onion

Balsamic vinegar for drizzling

Salt and pepper for added taste

Watermelon tastes great when combined with a salty creamy cheese like feta.   Cut up the watermelon whichever way you fancy.  If you’re a baller like me, use a melon scoop to carve out pretty round pieces.  Fill a salad bowl with the arugula, watermelon, feta, and onion.  Toss slightly and add the balsamic in a pretty swirl over the dish.  Add some ground pepper and a pinch of salt before serving.  Goes great with a steak or grilled chicken.

Watermelon Shortcake

I found this recipe online and haven’t made it myself yet.  Sounds deliciously dreamy and I can’t wait to try.  Let us know if you give this recipe a whirl!

7 cups watermelon puree (watermelon and ice blended)

1 ½ cups sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup powdered sugar

¼ cup toasted almond slices

6 slices angel food cake

In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, vanilla and powdered sugar. Stir in the toasted almonds. Place a one-cup pool of watermelon puree on each of 6 serving plates. Place a slice of cake on each pool. Drizzle the remaining watermelon puree over the top of the cake slices and then put a dollop of the sweetened sour cream with almonds on each serving as a garnish.