Watermelon for the Hot Season

With the arrival of the warm season, a fruit as appealing as refreshing comes to our table, none other than the juicy watermelon that can be enjoyed alone or as a key ingredient in numerous recipes. Watermelon - Its flesh is very juicy, and its flavor is sweet and refreshing. - It is the fruit that contains the most water, almost 95% of its weight, thus its caloric value is low. - The pink tone of its flesh is due to the presence of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. - Given its water content, it is excellent for quenching thirst and adding to salads, refreshing drinks, and much more. Nutrients per 100 grams of edible portion: - Calories: 18 kcal - Protein: 0.6 grams - Fat: 0.3 grams - Carbohydrates: 4.5 grams - Fiber: 3 grams - Potassium: 120 mg - Magnesium: 11 mg - Sodium: 4 mg - Calcium: 7 mg - Vitamin C: 5 mg - Folate: 3 mg Varieties We can find various varieties of watermelons in the market: Country. The fruit is large, its skin is dark green with streaks. Its flesh has a deep red color and its taste is very sweet and fresh. Tip: Its seeds can be toasted in a pan over low heat and enjoyed as a snack. Yellow. Of Chinese origin, it has a green streaked skin and an intense yellow flesh that is less crunchy than other varieties. It has no seeds. Tip: Due to its intensely yellow flesh, it can be combined with red watermelons to achieve a very attractive color. Seedless. It has a light green skin with darker streaks of the same tone. Also known as bouquet, it has very juicy red flesh and is unique in that its seeds are very tender and white, not bothering when tasting the fruit. Tip: It is recommended to choose seedless watermelon and yellow watermelons when you need to use them in your favorite recipe and do not have time to remove the seeds. Purchase and Storage - Choose firm and symmetrical watermelons that are not cracked, have no dents or white spots. - Check that it is ripe by tapping it with your fingers; it should emit a dull sound. If it sounds hollow and is heavy for its size, it is at its optimal ripeness. - It can be stored whole in perfect condition for up to two weeks at room temperature. On the other hand, once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap and consumed as soon as possible. Cooking Recipes Many recipes can be prepared with watermelon. Here are some ideas you might consider. Watermelon Cart This baby carriage-shaped watermelon is always a hit at baby showers! It looks more complicated than it is, just follow the steps and look at the photos. Red Sorbet A simple and delicious dessert, a sorbet made with strawberries and watermelon, perfect for hot times, served with a bit of dry champagne, although this is optional. Watermelon and Feta Cheese Salad A delicious and refreshing salad of watermelon and feta cheese. Cold Watermelon and Tomato Soup This delicious cold soup of tomato and watermelon will delight you and is full of antioxidants that will make your skin look great. Watermelon Snow This delicious and refreshing watermelon snow is made with fresh watermelon, orange juice, sugar, and a touch of vodka. It is delicious. It is recommended to use an ice cream maker for this recipe. Watermelon and Melon Martini Hydrating drink.