Writing by Gloria
  • About Gloria
  • Montage Moments...Gloria's Blog
  • Author Page
  • Works in Progress
  • Speaking
  • Testimonials

Montage Moments is a page of blog postings about a variety of subjects, thoughts and opinions..

8 Things To Know About Watermelon

6/27/2014

9 Comments

 
Picture


There is nothing that says 'summer' quite like cold, crisp, sweet, juice-running-down-your-chin watermelon. Nearly everyone likes watermelon and the few who don't, well, what can I say?

I was prompted to write this post after purchasing 2 watermelons last weekend for a party at my house. The first one was a 'grab it and go' selection. The entire inside was mush and juice that ran everywhere when I cut into it. Yuck. A quick trip to a nearby grocery and I had another one. It was solid and edible but light pink and not the sweetness I desired.

I decided to do some 'melon research' (after the fact, of course). I am going to share all the good information I learned. Applause, please.

#1) Watermelons are NOT a fruit; they are a vegetable and related to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. Do NOT, under any circumstances, tell your children they are a vegetable.

#2) There are over 1200 varieties; with 50 being the most common. Only 50? I have enough trouble choosing when there are only a few varieties available. The seedless ones were introduced nearly 50 years ago. I realize some folks believe they aren't as sweet as the seeded varieties, but as a former caterer, I thanked God many times for the seedless watermelons.

#3) A watermelon should be heavy due to the fact it is 92% water. I'm trying to figure out how I can use that as an excuse for my rather rotund figure; maybe say I am heavy due to being over 90% water?

#4) The first watermelons are believed to have been in Egypt, thousands of years ago. There are hieroglyphics on cave walls depicting melons. If I was going to spend hours in a cave chiseling or drawing, I think I might have found something a little more interesting than a melon.

#5) Watermelons are grown in 44 of the 50 states, with FL, TX, GA, CA and AZ leading the way. I'm impressed they are grown in all the states but 6.

#6) The largest watermelon, according to Guinness World Records, was grown by Lloyd Bright of Arkansas in 2005. It weighed in at 268.8 pounds. I can't even think of a comment for that.

#7)In Japan and China, a watermelon is a very popular gift for a host or hostess. It would be less expensive than a bottle of good wine, but how the heck do you wrap a watermelon?




Now that you are armed with all those non-essential facts, here's the ones you do need to know before your next trip to the grocery or farm market.

How To Choose the Perfect Watermelon:

a) Lift it; it should be solid and heavy (remember all that water)

b) The tendril on the blossom end should be dried and shriveled.

c) There should be a cream-colored patch on the bottom where it laid on the ground and the sun did not hit it.

d) Last, but not least, 'thump' it with your knuckles. It should have a deep hollow sound.

Will all these absolutely guarantee a perfectly ripe melon? No. There is no guarantee, but they may help.

**Remember to wash the outside thoroughly, even if you aren't going to eat the rind.

The best melon is the one you just ate and the juice is running down your chin.





Picture
Frozen Watermelon LemonadeMakes 6-8 servings

Ingredients
  • 3 cups watermelon cubes, seeds removed
  • 1/2 cup raspberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberry-flavored, calorie-free carbonated water, chilled
How to make it…
  1. Place watermelon cubes and raspberries in a blender; process until smooth. Pour through a sieve; discard pulp.
  2. Combine the sugar and water in the small saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly, just until the sugar dissolves. Set aside allow to cool slightly.
  3. Stir the sugar-water and lemon juice onto the watermelon raspberry juice mixture. Pour the juice mixture onto a covered freezer container. Freeze until firm
  4. Using an ice cream scoop, spoon the mixture into tall glasses. Pour 3 to 4 tablespoons of the strawberry flavored water over the frozen juice in each glass. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving)CALORIES 99; PROTEIN 0.5g; CARB 25g; SUGAR 23g; FAT 0.3g; CHOL 0g;
SODIUM 2mg; FIBER 0.6g

Recipe is from The Town Dish

9 Comments
Kalisha doty
6/27/2014 07:10:06 am

I am one of the people that don't like watermelon.

Reply
Gloria Doty link
6/27/2014 07:48:29 am

Yes, Kalisha I know you don't. You don't know what you are missing.

Reply
Rebecca Waters link
6/27/2014 12:04:36 pm

Love this! I love watermelon and I'm pretty good at picking out good ones. Maybe that comes from growing up in the south. Can't wait to try out this recipe. it sounds so refreshing and pretty.

Reply
Gloria Doty link
6/27/2014 01:14:42 pm

Thank you Rebecca, for reading and commenting. It is appreciated. I have not tried the drink, but I am going to this weekend. Gloria

Reply
Kari
6/28/2014 08:06:30 am

I did not know all those fcts about watermelon, very interesting.
Can't wait to try the recipe!

Reply
Gloria Doty link
6/28/2014 08:59:31 am

Thank you Kari, for reading and commenting. I hope the drink is as good and refreshing as it sounds.

Reply
Gayle Corry
6/28/2014 09:20:11 am

Thanks, Gloria...this was great reading and a lot of info' to share.

Reply
Sandia link
8/4/2014 02:19:40 am

wow, excellent data
Personally I like the watermelon is perfect for a hot day

Reply
Gloria Doty link
8/4/2014 03:12:50 am

Sandia, You are absolutely right....watermelon is perfect when it is hot outside. Thanks for the comment.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author: Gloria Doty

    Archives

    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    October 2015
    June 2015
    February 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013

    RSS Feed

    View my profile on LinkedIn
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.