Watermelon is so candy, juicy and refreshing on sizzling summer season days, you nearly neglect how nutritious it’s. However like different SmartCarbs, watermelon is filled with nutritional vitamins, fiber and different key vitamins, but it’s low in energy.
The sticky crimson flesh is 92 % fluid, so consuming watermelon helps you keep hydrated. The colour comes from lycopene, a nutrient additionally present in tomatoes and pink grapefruit which will assist forestall coronary heart illness and sure cancers.
A cup of watermelon additionally offers 15 % of your RDA for vitamin A and 12 % of vitamin C. It’s a wholesome supply of potassium, a mineral important for wholesome metabolism.
Whereas a cup of watermelon has simply 40 energy, its excessive sugar content material signifies that if you happen to’re on a Nutrisystem weight reduction plan it is best to restrict your self to 1 cup per day.
Consuming slices of watermelon on the porch because the solar goes down is among the most enjoyable methods to savor summer season, however listed here are seven different scrumptious concepts for having fun with watermelon this season.
1. Salad
Caprese salad is a summertime basic made with tomatoes, basil and contemporary mozzarella. For a scrumptious variation, substitute watermelon, arugula and feta cheese, to make a candy and spicy facet dish. Right here’s a recipe for the same (and scrumptious!) salad! >
2. Grilled
Thick slabs of watermelon can take the warmth of the grill, which caramelizes the pure sugars and makes the fruit even tastier. Reduce the items at the very least a half-inch thick, brush frivolously with olive oil, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to every. Grill for a minute on all sides. Serve the nice and cozy grilled watermelon slices with a dab of chevre (or different gentle) cheese, a slice of prosciutto (if desired), and a sprig of basil.
3. Stir-Fry
Slice watermelon flesh into sticks about two inches lengthy and extensive. After stir-frying beef or shrimp, sugar snap peas, onions, and ginger flip off the warmth after which combine within the watermelon to offer the dish a candy taste.
4. Jerky
Watermelon dried in strips—like jerky—is a tasty and handy snack. To make your individual, lower fruit into six- to eight-inch strips which are at the very least a half-inch thick. If in case you have a meals dehydrator, dry the jerky for about eight hours. Or you possibly can unfold the strips out on a frivolously oiled baking sheet and put it in your oven at about 200 levels F for about 12 hours.
5. Skewers
Make a scrumptious snack or dessert on a skewer with contemporary watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. Use a melon baller to scoop out every fruit, then slide six balls onto a picket skewer, alternating varieties of fruit.
6. Popsicles
Watermelon turns into an much more refreshing deal with on a sweltering day once you chill it within the freezer. Merely puree watermelon chunks (with the seeds eliminated, if there are any) in a blender or meals processor. Pour the puree into popsicle containers or into small paper cups with a popsicle stick inserted. Freeze for about 4 hours. When you used paper cups, peel them away from the popsicle and revel in.
7. Booze-Free Beverage
Mix watermelon with a number of easy elements for a lighter tackle a summer season spritzer you’ll love. Get our Watermelontini Mocktail recipe!
