Everyone in my family is very fond of watermelon right from hubby to in-laws, parents, siblings as well as the kids. For some reason it is not amongst my favourites and often I need to make an effort to have a few bites in front of the kids so that they maintain their liking for it.
Also due to this, generally while browsing through recipes especially for salads or desserts, I conveniently ignore the ones that have watermelon as one of their ingredients.
But a couple of days ago a very unique recipe caught my eye. This was something that I had never even heard of – Watermelon and Cottage Cheese curry. Hubby dear is going to whip up this one very soon – Will update the feedback and pictures once that is done.
Watermelons are synonymous to summers, dieting, or fasting. Few bites of the fruit refresh you in summers. It is also usually present at our dining table at the time of breaking our fast. It provides two fold benefit – hydration as well as refreshing and filling 🙂
As we know fruits yield maximum benefits when consumed during the season. Watermelon comes into season during the summer months, usually from March to June. These days they also appear during the off-season. However, these fruits are seldom the delicious, crisp and sweet types found in the summer months. Thus personally, I always try to consume fruits by the season only.
While buying the fruit, to check if the watermelon is ripe check the sound – raise the fruit to your ear, and give a vigorous tap. The best of watermelons have a thudding, hollow sound to indicate juicy, dense flesh. Always pair the sound with its heaviness—the best watermelons should feel heavy for their size
Benefits of watermelon
- Watermelon is a natural diuretic, which helps increase the flow of urine, but does not strain the kidneys. They help the liver process ammonia (waste from protein digestion) which eases strain on the kidneys while getting rid of excess fluids
- Watermelons have an alkaline-forming effect in the body when fully ripe. Eating lots of alkaline-forming foods can help reduce your risk of developing disease and illness caused by a high-acid diet
- Watermelon has very high water content. It reduces the blockages in the veins and the muscles and helps prevent edema or swelling of hands and feet which is very common during pregnancy
- Watermelon, because of its water and fiber content, helps to prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract
- Made up of 92% water and full of important electrolytes, watermelon is a great snack to have on hand during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration
- Watermelons contain choline which aids our bodies in sleep, muscle movement, learning and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation
- Vitamin A in the watermelons is a nutrient required for sebum production. This helps to keep hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair.
- Watermelon is a wonderful source of beta-carotene which is converted in the body to vitamin A. It helps and protects against age-related macular degeneration as well as prevents night blindness.
- Vitamin A in the watermelon also maintains healthy skin, teeth, skeletal and soft tissue, and mucus membranes.
- Vitamin C present in the watermelon is also needed for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to skin and hair. Watermelon also contributes to overall hydration, which is vital for having healthy looking skin and hair.
Below are a couple of fun and easy peasy recipes using watermelons that my kids love
Watermelon Popsicles – Scoop the watermelons into rounds using a round scooper. Pierce each of these roundels using a toothpick and freeze them for 1-2 hours and they are ready. The most natural and preservative free popsicles for the kiddos:)
Watermelon mocktail – Finely chop watermelons into tiny cubes and de-seed. Now in a jug add rose syrup as required, 1 tsp lemon juice, some crushed mint leaves and these watermelon cubes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and the mocktail is ready.
Image courtesy : https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewmalone/968999431/