WATERMELON and why we love it....


An American favorite for meals and snacks. People can’t seem to get enough of the sweet treat, and nutritionists have long talked up the health benefits watermelon provides. Recently research has shed new light on its numerous health benefits. Watermelon contains high concentrations of lycopene,(much more than tomatoes) an antioxidant that may help reduce the risks of cancer and other diseases. Did I mention it is delicious...

Watermelon is fat free, nutritionally low in calories and considered an ideal (Really awesome)food, and is high in energy, making it a great energy boost! Watermelon, the fruit that is really a Vegetable. Watermelon can be traced back to Africa and is part of the cucumber and squash family. Early watermelons were mainly rind and seeds. Today's varieties are larger, the flesh sweeter, the seeds smaller and the rind thinner.

It is perhaps the most refreshing, thirst quenching fruit of all. Watermelon consists of 92% water and 8% sugar, so it is aptly named. Did you know??? Americans eat over 17 lbs of watermelon each year. (I'm sure we eat more than that in my house....we love it) The largest one on world record (Guinness Book of World Records) weighed 262 pounds. ( I wonder if they ate it...was even good??)

When to look for them a the local produce market: Watermelons are available all year. (but I really recommend eating them when they are in season locally...They taste some much better)

Nutritional Facts:Fat-free Saturated fat-free Very low sodium Cholesterol-free A good source of vitamin A High in vitamin C.

Selecting: Choose firm, symmetrical, fruit free of cracks, bruises, soft spots or mold. Ripe watermelon will have a healthy sheen, a dull rind, dried stem, and a buttery yellow underside where it touched the ground. There should be a melon like smell or fragrance. Thump if you must, sound should be dull and hollow. Lift them, weight should be heavy for size.

I don't need to read this to convince myself to eat it.... Did I mention it's delicious and good for us to boot'

So have some watermelon.. your body will thank you!!!