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Watermelon - A Summertime Treat

How to pick and enjoy the perfect watermelon.

Nashville, Ark. – Chances are you have seen several watermelon stands throughout your town. Nothing is better on a hot summer day than sweet, juicy watermelon. However, the last few I have purchased have not been very sweet or ripe. I decided it was time to pull out the information on choosing the perfect watermelon.

Choosing your watermelon.

My grandpa, who was known for growing the best watermelons around, was a thumper when it came to choosing a ripe watermelon. I never acquired that skill.

I must use the look, lift, and turn method when choosing a ripe watermelon.

Look the watermelon over. It should have a smooth skin, free from bruises, dents, or cuts. It should be firm and heavy for its size. Turn it over to look for a creamy yellow underside that indicates it ripened on the vine.

Another good sign that indicates a vine ripened watermelon is to look at the stem. A green stem indicates it was pulled too early. A vine ripened watermelon has a brown stem. If the stem is missing, look at the “belly button” of the watermelon. It should be brown in color, not green.

If you want to thump, listen for a dull, muffled, hollow sound. Underripe melons will have a metallic, clear ring. If it “pongs,” it is ripe. If it “pings” then it is under ripe. Once you pick the right watermelon, they can be stored at room temperature until fully ripe. Then they should be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Watermelons are nutritious for you!

Watermelons are not only a favorite summertime treat; they are also very nutritious! They are naturally sodium free and fat free. Watermelons provide vitamins A and C, which are antioxidants that are good for you. Antioxidants have been found to help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Vitamin A helps maintain good eye health and helps keep skin healthy. Vitamin C helps protect skin from bruising, helps heal cuts and scrapes and keeps gums healthy. Another benefit of Vitamin C is it helps other nutrients do their job. Eating foods with vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.

Watermelon also provides some minerals, especially potassium and magnesium. Potassium helps maintain blood pressure. Magnesium helps build and maintain strong bones.

Wash before you eat.

Wash the outside of the melon before cutting to remove dirt and bacteria. Dirt is a host for bacteria including botulism. It can be transferred to the inside of the melon when cutting it. In fact, it is recommended to wash any melon including cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon before slicing.

While most people enjoy fresh slices of cut melon, there are other ways this tasty treat can be served. Watermelon is great in summertime fruit salads, but it can also be added to chicken, tuna, and rice salads. Consider mixing watermelon into fruit salsas to take the heat off the salsa.

Watermelon can be the perfect summertime drink.

Watermelon is great in summertime drinks. Puree and freeze it to use as ice cubes or as a slush drink. Mix watermelon with other fruits and yogurt for a smoothie.

You can even grill watermelon to serve alongside chicken, shrimp, or ribs!

However, you enjoy watermelon, make it a part of your summertime. While you may be able to purchase watermelon all year long, the best ones are during the summer.

For more nutrition information or healthy eating, contact the Howard County Extension Service at 870-845-7517 or visit our office located on the second floor of the courthouse.

Recipe of the Week

Here is a great way to enjoy watermelon. This recipe comes from the National Watermelon Promotion Board.

Watermelon Fire & Ice Salsa

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice

  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onion

  • 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh jalapeno pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup diced green bell pepper

  • 3 cups diced seedless watermelon

  1. Combine lime juice, cilantro, green onion, jalapenos, and salt in a small bowl and stir to mix.
  2. Add bell pepper and watermelon and stir gently.
  3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Goes great with grilled fish, chicken, or barbecue.
  4. Yield: 6 servings

  1. Nutrition information per serving: Calories-30, Fat-0g, Sodium-98mg, Carbohydrate-7g, Fiber-0, Protein-1 g

     

 

By Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Jean Ince
County Extension Agent - Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
421 N. Main St, Nashville AR 71852
(870) 845-7517
jince@uada.edu

 

The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your County Extension office (or other appropriate office) as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.

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