DID YOU KNOW
THAT IT’S ……

~ National Watermelon Day ~

Watermelon: Why not?

Watermelon is packed with many of the same health benefits as tomatoes.

Sure, watermelon is packed with seeds, 500-1,000 depending on the melon. But at it also is packed with so much more, including lycopene and antioxidants that prevent the cell damage that can lead to heart attacks and cancer.

Following are some watermelon facts to get you thinking about your next picnic.

Store watermelon at room temperature: But whole melons shouldn’t be stored for more than 10 days at room temperature or else they will lose flavor.

Wash watermelon before eating it:  In fact, wash all produce before you eat it, whether it has rinds or not.

You may eat the seeds: They won’t hurt you, but a rule of thumb is to avoid eating anything you cannot chew.
It’s up to you.

You may eat the rind: It has plenty of nutrients, such as potassium and fiber, but you’ll probably want to pickle it first; that’s how folks traditionally eat it. (I’ve never had pickled watermelon rind, myself).

Pick a good one: It should be firm to touch, free of bruises and symmetrical. And it should be heavy because it is 92 percent water.

That creamy white spot one one side is a good thing; that’s where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.

Source: Watermelon Promotion Board and Barbara Levine, Ph.D., R.D.


How to Select & Store:
Choose a watermelon symmetrical in shape without dents, bruises and cuts. Thump, if you must (listen for dull hollow sound). Turn watermelon over. The underside should be creamy yellow with a healthy sheen to the rind. Store cut watermelons in refrigerator. Cover cut surface loosely with plastic wrap. Uncut watermelons keep at room temperature for up to two weeks.

Watermelon has NO fat or cholesterol and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C.
It also contains fiber and potassium.

See this amazing way of cutting up a watermelon here. We did this, and it really makes it easy!
http://www.hormel.com/templates/template.asp?catitemid=113&id=838

WATERMELON SEED SPITTING, ANYONE?!
You can also make predictions about the number
of seeds in a watermelon or slice of watermelon.
Have a prize for the winner!
More watermelon?!

~ Check out this amazing ‘Watermelon Art’ ~






~ WATERMELON RECIPES ~




~ Frozen Watermelon Mousse ~

2-1/2 cups seeded, diced watermelon
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup whipping cream, whipped

Place watermelon in container of an electric blender, and process until smooth.
Reserve 2-1/4 cups puree, discarding any remaining puree.
Combine gelatin and 1/4 cup watermelon puree.
Bring remaining 2 cups puree to a boil in a small saucepan.
Remove from heat; add gelatin mixture, and stir until gelatin dissolves.
Stir in sugar and lemon juice, and chill mixture until consistency of unbeaten egg white. 
Fold whipped cream into chilled watermelon mixture.
Spoon into a lightly oiled 6-cup mold.
Cover and freeze 8 hours or until firm; unmold onto serving plate.
Yield: 8 to 10 servings.

Combine first four ingredients in large bowl. Cover and chill for 30 minutes. Process watermelon mixture in a blender until smooth and return to bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a saucepan. Let stand 1 minute. Cook over low heat, stirring until gelatin dissolves (about 2 minutes). Add to watermelon mixture, stirring well. Add whipping cream and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Pour mixture into freezer container of ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s directions.

Yield: 4 cups.


Hope you all enjoy National Watermelon Day!  I’m sure, now, that August 3rd will forever be etched in your mind as National Watermelon Day! :0) My hubby brought home a wonderful looking watermelon, which we are going to cut up and eat in honor of this day!   Do yourself a favor….eat a cool slice, or two, of watermelon today! 

Hugs,
~ Deborah <><