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National Watermelon Promotion Board
http://www.watermelon.orgReview by Debbie Mazo
Biting into a juicy slice of watermelon is one of the most refreshing ways to cool off during the summer months. Low in calories and high on taste, watermelons can easily feed a large group and satisfy just about any sweet tooth. Devoted to everyone's favorite summer fruit, the National Watermelon Promotion Board web page is your one-stop watermelon resource from picking the ripest fruit to slicing creations that would impress any carving chef.
Watermelon can be traced as far back as the Kalahari Desert of Africa. In ancient Egypt, watermelons were buried in the tombs of kings to nourish them in the afterlife. Soon after that, watermelons spread throughout countries along the Mediterranean Sea by way of merchant ships. Check out the Festivals & Fun section to find out more about the watermelon's origins, varieties, and distinctive characteristics. For example, did you know that watermelon is the most-consumed melon in the U.S., followed by cantaloupe and honeydew? While in China and Japan, watermelon is a popular gift presented to a host for special occasions.
From the outside, it's difficult to tell when a melon is ripe. Follow three easy steps recommended by the National Watermelon Promotion Board, and you'll have no trouble picking the ripest one from the bunch. First, choose a firm symmetrical watermelon free from bruises. Next, lift up the watermelon to make sure that it's heavy for its size (usually 92% water). Finally, turn the watermelon on its underside to search for a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
If you're looking for innovative watermelon recipes, you've come to the right site. Just search for a recipe title, ingredients, or other keywords and you'll find dozens of ways to include watermelon in any meal. For a watermelon salad reminiscent of childhood days, sample the Filled Watermelon Basket featuring melon balls and pineapple chunks tossed with a honey-lime sauce. Or, whip up a Summer Pita Sandwich packed with wedges of watermelon, lettuce, and diced chicken with herbed cheese spread on the inside of the pita bread halves.
While you're visiting the site, you can also explore versatile tips for preparing watermelon like freezing watermelon juice in ice cube trays to add to lemonades and fruit punches. Or, shake things up and bring a yellow watermelon to your next picnic. Yellow watermelon tastes the same, but offers color variety as a garnish or side dish. Whatever color of watermelon you choose, the National Watermelon Promotion Board has refreshing ideas when it comes to this all-American favorite snack.
About the Writer
Debbie Mazo is a writer and editor based
in Vancouver, Canada. She currently specializes in technical
and marketing materials, but is also pursuing opportunities
in food journalism.
Copyright © 2000, Debbie Mazo. All rights reserved.
July 2000
This page created July 2000