No fruit screams summer quite like watermelon and, given that it’s 92% water, it’s a great one to load up on to avoid dehydration if you find it tough to meet your daily water requirement. Watermelon is also super nutritious. It contains thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine. With that in mind, NYC celebrity nutritionist and culinary consultant Peggy K shared with us five new and healthy ways to enjoy the fruit this summer. Here’s what she had to say!
1. Drink It: Watermelon Water
On a hot day, nothing quenches your thirst for something healthy quite like a cold-pressed juice. Now you can drink your watermelon with WTRMLN WTR. WTRMLN WTR is rich in electrolytes – with six times the amount found in your regular sports brand drink – making it essential for summer hydration. WTRMLN WTR also has more potassium than a banana, to assist with heart health and cramp prevention during your summer workouts.
2. Grill It: Grilled Watermelon with Feta
With grilling season at its peak, there’s no reason why watermelon can’t partake in the fun! Grilling watermelon cuts through some of the sweetness and offers a completely different flavor profile. Cut the watermelon into one and a half-inch triangle wedges, leaving the rind on the base. Place directly onto a medium-high heat grill for one-two minutes a side. Remove from grill, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and honey. Then top with crumbled feta and season with dried oregano, sea salt and pepper.
3. Spike It: Watermelon Slushy Cocktail
What better way to treat yourself and guests than with a spiked, fresh watermelon slushy?
Recipe: Add one cup of frozen watermelon cubes into one of your small blenders with 1/3 cup of WTRMLN WTR, the juice of half a lemon and one ounce of vodka. Blend until slushy. Pour into a glass and garnish with a small bunch of fresh mint.
4. Dip It: Watermelon Tomato Salsa
Step up your traditional salsa’s game with a kick of watermelon. The sweetness of the watermelon fuses perfectly with the salty and spicy flavors of your typical tomato salsa, making for a perfect dip at your summer party.
Ingredients
1 cup watermelon, finely diced
6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
½ large white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced
handful of fresh cilantro, leaves only
1 lime, juiced
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Add all ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
5. Freeze It: Frozen Watermelon Pops
Watermelon alone has all the components necessary for a hydrating and refreshing ice pop. Chop the flesh off half a watermelon into large chunks. Add to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.