July is #nationalwatermelonmonth. Wonderfully sweet and refreshing, nothing says summer like watermelon!
Watermelon is mostly water so it's great for staying hydrated. It is is rich in both cancer protective vitamin C and lycopene, a potent antioxidant. It also contains calcium, magnesium and potassium.
I've attached 2 recipes from American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR) below. One for a no bake Watermelon Cake (oh my!) and for a refreshing Watermelon Granita! Enjoy
Tips for selection from Watermelon.org:
- Look the watermelon over. You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
- Lift it up. The watermelon should be heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92% water; most of the weight is water.
- Turn it over. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
Store uncut watermelon between 50-59°F. Watermelon will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature. Wash the watermelon prior to cutting to avoid transfer of bacteria from the rind to the flesh. Once cut, be sure to store in the refrigerator within 2 hours for food safety reasons.
Recipes from AICR:
https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/recipes/watermelon-granita/
https://www.aicr.org/cancer-prevention/recipes/no-bake-watermelon-cake/