Watermelon: A Sweet, Refreshing Summer Time Snack

The Refreshing Flavor of Watermelons

Watermelons originate from southern Africa and have been cultivated for over 4,000 years. These sweet fruits are now grown around the world in warmer climates and make for the ultimate thirst-quenching, healthy summer snack. Biting into a chilled watermelon on a hot day instantly conjures up memories of carefree childhood summers.

Watermelon Nutrition

Watermelons are made up of 92% water, hence the name. This makes them wonderfully hydrating. The other 8% contains significant levels of vitamins A, C, and B6. Watermelons also provide potassium and antioxidants including lycopene, which gives them their iconic red color.

Due to their high water and fiber content, watermelons are low in calories with only 46 calories per cup. This combination makes them very filling while barely adding to your daily caloric intake. For those watching their weight, watermelon is a great way to satisfy hunger and stay hydrated.

Watermelon Around the World

China leads the world in watermelon production with around 75 million tons grown per year. Other top producers include Turkey, Iran, and Brazil. In the US, Florida, Georgia, California, and Arizona lead production.

Every country and region seems to have their own watermelon varieties. While we're used to oval shaped melons with dark green rinds, watermelons actually come in diverse shapes, sizes, colors, and sugar contents. Yellow and orange flesh varieties are popular in certain areas while round and oblong shapes make an appearance too.

Selecting the Best Watermelon

The key to great watermelon flavor is picking a ripe melon. Ripe watermelons produce a hollow thud rather than dull thud when thumped. They should feel heavy for their size with smooth skin and a faded splotchy patch where they rested on the ground.

A white or pale yellow spot on one side indicates where the melon was positioned toward the sun. This sun-kissed sweet spot is usually the tastiest part of the watermelon!

Cutting Watermelon into Fun Shapes

Plain watermelon wedges are great, but you can also use cookie cutters, melon ballers, or crinkle cutters to create fun watermelon shapes that will delight kids and adults alike.

Watermelon popsicles are also very easy to whip up. Simply blend watermelon chunks then pour into popsicle molds. Top with fruit like blueberries or mini chocolate chips before freezing for pretty, tasty treats.

Healthy Watermelon Snack Ideas

Watermelon's mild sweet flavor pairs perfectly with both sweet and salty ingredients. Take your watermelon from boring to scrumptious with these easy snack ideas.

Sweet Watermelon Snacks

- Sprinkle watermelon chunks with a little lime juice and chili powder

- Alternate bites of watermelon and mozzarella cheese sticks

- Top watermelon slices with whipped cream and mini chocolate chips

- Make watermelon "pizza" on top of graham crackers smeared with yogurt or nut butter

- Mix cubed watermelon with blueberries and mint leaves

- Dip watermelon popsicles in melted chocolate or caramel sauce

Salty Savory Watermelon Snacks

- Skewer cubed watermelon and feta cheese for tasty bites

- Mix diced watermelon with cucumbers, red onion, feta, and balsamic for a fresh salad

- Sprinkle cubed watermelon with a bit of salt

- Make summer rolls with rice paper stuffed with watermelon, mint, and ham

- Grill watermelon wedges just like you would pineapple

- Mix arugula, watermelon, and prosciutto slices for an easy appetizer

Safely Storing Watermelon

Properly stored, watermelon lasts surprisingly long in the fridge. An uncut watermelon keeps for 1-2 weeks. Once cut, sealed container watermelon chunks stay fresh for 5-7 days.

For best results, store watermelon unwashed at cool room temperature out of direct sunlight before cutting. Then wash, pat dry, containerize flesh once open, and refrigerate. Bring to room temp 15 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.

Watermelon also freezes well for several months. Simply purée flesh then freeze in bags or airtight containers leaving some headspace. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Enjoy Watermelon All Season Long

When summer watermelon season draws to a close, switch over to items like watermelon radishes, juice, dried watermelon snacks, or pickled watermelon rinds. This allows you to enjoy tasty watermelon flavors all year round. You can also use the above freezing method for delicious off-season watermelon smoothies and other treats.

FAQs

What's the best way to pick out a ripe watermelon?

A ripe watermelon will have a nice hollow thud when thumped, feel heavy for its size, have a faded splotchy spot where it rested on the ground, smooth rind, and a pale yellow sun-kissed sweet spot on one side.

How long does watermelon last?

Whole, uncut watermelons will keep for 1-2 weeks stored at room temperature. Cut watermelon chunks sealed in an airtight container will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

What's the healthiest way to eat watermelon?

Watermelon is very healthy fresh and unaccompanied. However, fun additions like lime, mint, feta, or balsamic make tasty complements. Go easy on high sodium/sugar ingredients like chocolate, caramel, or heavily sweetened yogurts.

What's the tastiest part of a watermelon?

Look for a subtle yellow "sun spot" on one side of a watermelon. The part touching the ground ripens more slowly, making the top sweeter from more sun exposure.

Can you eat watermelon rinds?

Watermelon rinds are edible after pickling, boiling down into chutney, or candying. However most people don't consume them fresh due to their tough, bitter taste.