Taylor Newman Everyone knows that watermelon is a delicious summer staple, but did you know these fun facts about watermelon?
- You can choose a ripe watermelon by picking it up. It should be heavy for its size and have a creamy yellow spot on its underside where it sat on the ground. [1]
- Watermelon is full of nutrients. One cup of watermelon is a good source of vitamin C. Watermelon also has many other vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. [2]
- Watermelon ranks #1 on the list of budget-friendly fruits, at only 14¢ per serving. You can feed up to 36 people with just one watermelon! [1]
- Watermelon is Georgia’s number 1 produce crop. [3] In fact, Cordele, GA is the “Watermelon Capital of the World” because they grow such big, delicious watermelons. [4] Every summer, Cordele holds a watermelon festival called the Watermelon Days Festival to celebrate the summer harvest.
More excited than ever to sink your teeth into watermelon? Here are 5 fun ways to enjoy summer’s favorite fruit:
1. Sliced watermelon with cinnamon dip
Nothing beats a classic slice of watermelon in the summer. Pair your slice with our delicious cinnamon dip to take this treat to the next level.
2. Watermelon agua fresca
We love this simple, 2-ingredient recipe for agua fresca, a fruit-based drink that is popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries. No blender needed!
3. Watermelon salsa
UGA Cooperative Extension has a great watermelon salsa recipe for you to try:
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon
- 1 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, red or white, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro or mint, fresh, chopped (optional)
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped, or hot sauce to taste 1/4 cup lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar, white or brown
Directions
In a medium-size bowl, stir together all ingredients. Taste and season with more lemon or lime juice, sugar if needed. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve with grilled or broiled fish or chicken.
Find the nutrition facts label for the recipe here.
4. Watermelon salad
Add cubed watermelon on top of your favorite summer salad for a refreshing twist. Tip: watermelon goes great with a balsamic vinaigrette dressing!
5. Watermelon pizza
This is a fun way to prepare watermelon with your kids. Start by cutting a thick slice off of the watermelon’s side, about 2-3 inches thick. You should have a circle of watermelon that will serve as the pizza “crust.”
Next, spread vanilla or coconut flavored yogurt across the red part of the watermelon to serve as your “sauce.” Then, add whatever toppings you like! Try berries, sliced strawberries, nuts, seeds, mint leaves, coconut flakes, or chocolate chips.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy watermelon?
Written by Taylor Newman, Ph.D. Candidate | Edited by Laurel Sanville, MS, RDN, LD