I think watermelon is just about everyone’s favorite fruit in August.
After all, there’s nothing more thirst-quenching, sweet, and delicious, is there?
8 Fun Facts about Watermelon
- It is in the Cucurbitaceae family and related to melons, cucumbers, pumpkins, chayote and zucchini squash
- It comes in 5 types: seeded; seedless; mini or personal; yellow; and orange
- It is >90% water so it’s a great choice for a hot day
- It’s standard serving size is 2 cups cut-up
- It has only 80 calories in 2 cups
- It has 14 grams carbohydrates per 1 cup
- Watermelon, one serving, is full of vitamin C (25% daily value) and vitamin A (20% daily value)
- Watermelon is the fruit/veg leader in lycopene content which is related to its vitamin A
Mediterranean-Flavored Watermelon Salad Recipe – 2 servings
Try this easy-to-make watermelon salad with very Mediterranean flavors. It will pep you up on a warm August day.
Ingredients:
1-1/2 cups Watermelon cut into 1/2 or 3/4 inch cubes
1/4 small Red onion, cut into very thin slices
6 Fresh basil leaves, cut into slender ‘ribbons’
1 teaspoon Fresh lemon juice
1-2 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil
a pinch each Black pepper and Dried oregano leaves
1 cup Fresh spinach leaves
Preparation:
- Get out a medium sized bowl.
- Add all ingredients except spinach leaves. Mix gently.
- Line 2 individual salad bowls or one serving bowl with spinach leaves.
- Place watermelon salad in a mound on top of spinach leaves.
Moving Closer to a Mediterranean Nutrition Pattern of Meals and Snacks
There are many easy recipes, like this watermelon salad, that feature Mediterranean ingredients and flavors. Mediterranean ingredients are clearly some of the most healthful for all of us to eat, so why not give yourself a push toward a Mediterranean meal theme. If you do this then you will notice your pantry transforming and you will likely feel better right away, too.