Watermelon

Embrace the Vibrant Flavours and Health Benefits of Watermelon on National Watermelon Day

As the calendar inches closer to August 3rd, National Watermelon Day, it’s time to anticipate the joyous celebration of this iconic fruit. With its delightful taste and an array of health benefits, watermelon takes the spotlight during the warm months. From revitalizing drinks that quench your thirst to colourful salads bursting with flavour, the possibilities are endless. Let’s explore how you can make the most of this occasion by indulging in a variety of watermelon-inspired treats.

Embracing Watermelon’s Health Benefits:

Watermelon( ‘tikiti maji’ in Swahili ) isn’t just a delicious fruity treat; it’s a health powerhouse. With its low-calorie count, nutrient density, and water content of around 90%, it’s perfect for staying hydrated during sun-soaked days. The vitamins A and C, as well as the antioxidants like lycopene, make watermelon a refreshing way to boost your health while enjoying the summer vibes.

Selecting the Perfect Watermelon:

When it comes to choosing the best watermelon, keep these tips in mind:

• Opt for watermelons that are free from bruises, cuts, and dents. Some scratching is acceptable.
• Choose a watermelon that feels heavier than its size suggests.
• Check the underside of the watermelon – a creamy yellow hue indicates ripeness.
• Give it a tap – a dull, muffled sound indicates the perfect ripeness.

Mastering Watermelon Handling and Storage:

Maximize your watermelon experience by learning how to handle, store, and preserve it:

• Wash the rind before use to ensure cleanliness.
• Properly refrigerate and cover the cut watermelon to maintain its freshness.
• If your watermelon is ripe and you don’t have time to eat it, don’t panic. But don’t slice either. Slide that whole watermelon into the fridge, where it will stay fresh for two to three more weeks. The cool temperature of the refrigerator will slow the ripening process.

Exploring Watermelon in Various Culinary Delights:

Watermelon’s versatility allows for endless culinary possibilities. Try these mouthwatering options:

• Enjoy slices of watermelon as a hydrating snack.
• Blend watermelon into smoothies for a burst of flavour and nutrients.
• Create vibrant fruit salads by incorporating watermelon with other summer fruits.
• Don’t overlook the rind – pickle it for a tangy and crunchy snack.
• Enhance your favourite summer drinks by freezing one-inch watermelon cubes and using them as fruity ice cubes, infusing any beverage with a burst of flavour.

Raise a Glass to Watermelon Day with Refreshing Mocktails and Cocktails:

What better way to honour National Watermelon Day than with signature watermelon-inspired beverages? Let’s explore some unique mocktails and cocktails that encapsulate the essence of summer:

Mocktails:

Refreshing Watermelon Mocktail:

• 2 oz watermelon juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Sparkling water or soda water
• Crushed ice
• Lime wheel and watermelon cube for garnish

1. Instructions:
   1. In a shaker, combine watermelon juice, lime juice, and honey or simple syrup.
   2. Fill the shaker with ice and gently shake to mix the flavours.
   3. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice.
   4. Top with sparkling water or soda water.
   5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a watermelon cube on a skewer.
   6. Enjoy the Refreshing Watermelon Mocktail!

Tropical Spice Sparkler:

• 2 oz coconut water
• 2 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1/2 oz spice-infused syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water, infused with spices like cardamom and cloves)
• Pineapple juice (optional)
• Watermelon slice and spice garnish (optional)

1. Instructions:
   1. In a shaker, combine coconut water, watermelon juice, and spice-infused syrup.
   2. Fill the shaker with ice and gently shake to blend the flavours.
   3. Strain the mixture into a glass over fresh ice.
   4. Add a splash of pineapple juice for extratropical sweetness (if desired).
   5. Garnish with a watermelon slice and a pinch of spices if desired.
   6. Raise your glass to the delightful Tropical Spice Sparkler!

Incorporating Watermelon into Cocktails:

Watermelon Mint Mojito:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• Soda water
• Watermelon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

1. Instructions:
   1. In a glass, muddle the mint leaves to release their aroma.
   2. Fill the glass with ice.
   3. Pour in the white rum, watermelon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
   4. Stir well to combine the flavours.
   5. Top with soda water for some fizz.
   6. Garnish with watermelon slices and mint sprigs.
   7. Give it a gentle stir before serving.

Watermelon Margaritas

• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz watermelon liqueur (or watermelon syrup)
• 1 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Watermelon slice for garnish

1. Instructions
   1. In a shaker, combine vodka, watermelon liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
   2. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until well chilled.
   3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
   4. Garnish with a watermelon slice on the rim.
   5. Serve and enjoy!

Watermelon Margaritas

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz fresh watermelon juice
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz triple sec
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• Watermelon wedge and lime slice for garnish
• Salt or sugar for rimming (optional)

1. Instructions:
   1. Rim a margarita glass with salt or sugar (if desired).
   2. In a shaker, combine tequila, watermelon juice, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.
   3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake until well chilled.
   4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over ice.
   5. Garnish with a watermelon wedge and a lime slice.
   6. Enjoy your Watermelon Margarita!

PS: Use strained watermelon juice for all the watermelon cocktails mentioned above so there is no fruit residue or lump in your drink.