Watermelon is a refreshing and nutritious treat any time of the year. Watermelon feeds and watermelon seeds go hand in hand for some fun times. Read on for more information on eating, handling, growing, and serving tasty watermelon.
MyPlate Nutrition
The fruit group is the red group on MyPlate. We are encouraged to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables in our daily diet. MyPlate shows and recommends making ½ of your plate fruit and vegetables. There are health benefits to eating fruit. This is a great reason to eat watermelon which is part of the fruit group. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/fruits
Does watermelon have any nutritional value?
People who eat fruits and vegetables regularly as part of their overall diet may have a lower risk for certain diseases. https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/browardco/2022/07/01/get-health-benefits-this-summer-focus-on-fruits-and-vegetables/
Fruits provide the body with the nutrients needed to maintain your health at any age. Watermelon is fat-free, saturated fat-free, cholesterol-free, sodium-free, and a good source of vitamin C.
Along with water, watermelon contains a small amount of fiber which is necessary for healthy digestion.
Watermelon is low in calories (92 calories for one-two-thirds cup serving) and very nutritious. It is a source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon is also high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
https://fruitsandveggies.org/fruits-and-veggies/watermelon/?view=facts
https://fcs-hes.ca.uky.edu/commodity/watermelon
Hydration and watermelon
Staying hydrated is important for your body to function properly. Several fruits and vegetables have a higher water content. 92% of the average watermelon is water, and a perfect treat to help keep you refreshed and hydrated on hot days. https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/TP%20112-12_2.PDF Remember, watermelon and other high-water content foods may help your body get the water it needs to function properly.
Handling and slicing watermelon
Food safety matters even when slicing a watermelon. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use a clean cutting board and a clean knife. Rinse the outside of the watermelon under running water and scrub the outside with a clean produce brush to remove any visible dirt and debris stuck on the rind of the watermelon. Dry it with a clean paper towel. Now the watermelon is ready to be cut. https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely
Watermelon recipes
Here are some delicious watermelon recipes to consider trying: https://www.myplate.gov/myplate-kitchen/recipes?search=watermelon
Growing watermelon
A lot of watermelons are grown in the state of Florida. Ask a UF/IFAS Extension master gardener for tips on successfully growing watermelon. You can find more watermelon gardening information here. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/watermelon.html
Watermelon fun
Have fun slicing watermelon flesh in different shapes such as chunks, stars, hearts, melon balls, and much more. You can fill a carved-out watermelon with a fresh fruit salad including watermelon and other fresh fruit. I love mixing watermelon, mango, strawberries, honeydew melon, and blueberries. Yum!
You can transform the watermelon rind by carving a whole watermelon into different appealing designs. I have seen watermelon carvings such as baskets, fish, turtles, sharks with teeth, and flowers to name a few.
Eat some watermelon today!
Enjoy a slice or chunk of fresh, sweet, thirst-quenching watermelon today and stay hydrated at the same time. Fuel your body with nutrient-dense food, and practice food safety to stay well.
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