Ingredient: Watermelon
Watermelons are the ultimate summer superfood – full of flavour, vitamins, antioxidants and with a high-water content, what’s not to love! Their natural sweetness makes them a versatile ingredient in cooking, and they can enhance both sweet and savoury dishes, try small triangles in a traditional Greek salad – you will never go back!
Enjoy it in smoothies or sorbets, Slice it simply and eat on its own, or blitz into a cooling drink like my Watermelon Coconut Refresher.
Watermelons belong to the Cucurbitaceae family which includes cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. Watermelons have been cultivated for thousands of years and are even depicted in hieroglyphics on the walls of ancient Egyptian tombs. They have evolved over the centuries through selective breeding to develop the sweet and juicy varieties we enjoy today.
Being about 90% water makes watermelons one of the most hydrating fruits you can consume. Watermelon also contains electrolytes like potassium, which can further aid in maintaining proper hydration levels. The watermelon seeds are good for you too, and have traditionally been used for urinary tract health and even bedwetting.
The beautiful colour is evidence of high levels of polyphenols such as beta-carotene which we convert to vitamin A Also lycopene which has been the subject some interesting research in to cancer therapies and type 2 diabetes.
Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal, watermelon is always a delicious and nutritious addition!
