Mouth-watering Watermelon
Sweet and thirst-quenching fruit perfect for the season
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Mark Twain once said that the watermelon was chief of the world s luxuries and king by the grace of God over all the fruits of the earth.
Considering such an accolade, one can surmise that perhaps the grand American satirical novelist had enjoyed a watermelon or two during a hot southern summer.
When you think of summer fruits, watermelon inevitably comes to mind. No other fruit says summer like sweet, juicy and thirst quenching watermelon, which is fat free and low in calories. But in fact, technically speaking, the watermelon is actually a vegetable it is a cousin to the cucumber and is related to the squash and pumpkin.
Watermelons originated in Africa where thirsty travelers quenched their thirst while passing through the desert. In dry and hot Ancient Egypt, where water was in short supply, a high-water content fruit like watermelon was highly prized. The Ancient Egyptians showed their esteem for the fruit by recording in hieroglyphics on walls. The fruit was even placed in the tombs of many Egyptian kings as a source of survival for their next life.
By the 10th century, watermelon flourished in China (which is today the world s largest watermelon producer). And in the 13th century the Moors introduced the fruit into southern Europe.
Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Additionally, it contains high amounts of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against the risks of cancer.
When shopping for watermelons, look for one that is evenly-shaped, firm and free of bruises. Slap it with an open palm and you should get a deep-pitched tone, which means it is ripe. A high-pitched tone tells you it is under-ripe; a thudding or dead thud sound points to an over-ripe melon.
Wash watermelons before cutting by cleaning with a wet cloth or paper towel. Once sliced, refrigerate immediately and cover with plastic wrap to conserve freshness.
There are so many ways to enjoy watermelons. Scoop them into balls and add to a fruit platter. Use watermelon juice in drinks like margaritas.
