Watermelon is so candy, juicy, and refreshing on scorching summer time days you nearly neglect how nutritious it’s. However like different SmartCarbs, watermelon is full of nutritional vitamins, fiber, and different key vitamins, but it’s low in energy.
The sticky crimson 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 which will assist forestall 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 in the event you’re on a Nutrisystem weight reduction plan you need to restrict your self to 1 cup per day. Consuming slices of watermelon on the porch because the solar goes down is likely one of 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 traditional made with tomatoes, basil and recent 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. Minimize the items a minimum of a half-inch thick, brush flippantly 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 comfortable) 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 broad. After stir-frying beef or shrimp, sugar snap peas, onions, and ginger flip off the warmth after which combine within the watermelon to present the dish a candy taste.
4. Jerky:
Watermelon dried in strips—like jerky—is a tasty and handy snack. To make your individual, reduce fruit into six- to eight-inch strips which are a minimum of a half-inch thick. When you have a meals dehydrator, dry the jerky for about eight hours. Or you possibly can unfold the strips out on a flippantly 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 recent watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew. Use a melon baller to scoop out every fruit, then slide six balls onto a wood skewer, alternating forms 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 luxuriate 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! >
