Watermelon is so candy, juicy, and refreshing on sizzling summer time days you virtually overlook 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 pink flesh is 92 p.c fluid, so consuming watermelon helps you keep hydrated. The colour comes from lycopene, a nutrient additionally present in tomatoes and pink grapefruit that will assist stop coronary heart illness and sure cancers. A cup of watermelon additionally offers 15 p.c of your RDA for vitamin A and 12 p.c of vitamin C, and 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 implies that if you happen to’re on a Nutrisystem weight reduction plan it’s 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 time, 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 aspect 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. Lower the items no less than a half-inch thick, brush evenly with olive oil, and add a pinch of salt and pepper to every. Grill for a minute on either side, then serve heat with a dab of chevre (or different smooth) 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 personal, reduce fruit into six- to eight-inch strips which might be no less than a half-inch thick. In case you have a meals dehydrator, dry the jerky for about eight hours. Or you may unfold the strips out on a evenly 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 if 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. In case you used paper cups, peel them away from the popsicle and revel in.
7. Booze-Free Beverage:
Mix watermelon with just a few easy components for a lighter tackle a summer time spritzer you’ll love. Get the recipe proper right here! >
