Watermelon

Select It

Look for firm watermelon with a sweet smell, dull rind and dried stem. It should have a yellow underside where it grew on the ground. Avoid buying watermelon with cracks, soft spots or a white to light green color on the underside.

Store It

• Store whole on the counter for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
• Avoid storing near apples, bananas or avocados, as these will cause it to ripen quickly.
• Store cut watermelon in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Store cut watermelon in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 12 months.

Reduce Food Waste

Seeds, even the black ones, are edible and can be toasted just like pumpkin seeds. 

Watermelons often have deformed or discolored rinds. Check the inside to make sure they are still good before discarding. 

Source: Save the Food

Prepare It

• Rinse with water before cutting. Cut into slices, wedges or cubes.
• Add lime juice and chili powder to watermelon for a sweet and spicy treat.

Did You Know?

There are four main varieties of watermelon: allsweet, ice-box, seedless and yellow flesh.

a Watermelon helps you maintain good vision, fight infections and keep your skin healthy because it contains Vitamin A.

c Watermelon helps your body heal cuts and wounds and helps lower your risk of infection because it contains Vitamin C.

Click here for more information about watermelon.

Click here for a printable page with lots of info about melons including watermelon.

Recipes

Melon Cooler

Ingredients

2 cups chopped, seeded watermelon
1 cup water (or as needed)

Source: CA Champions for Change

Serving

Makes 4 servings. ¾ cup per serving.

Time

10 minutes

Directions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
   
2. Blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

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