Watermelon has a history stretching back over 5,000 years. It is believed to have originated in the deserts of Africa, where it served as a natural source of water for travelers. Ancient Egyptians even depicted watermelons in their hieroglyphs, and seeds have been found in the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, showing its cultural and nutritional significance.
When watermelon season arrives, it’s hard to imagine anything more delicious and refreshing. This juicy fruit not only delights with its taste but also becomes a popular choice thanks to its unique qualities. Let’s explore what makes watermelon so captivating, how to select the best fruit, and ways to use it in cooking and skincare.
Nutritional Composition of Watermelon
The flesh of watermelon per 100 g contains:
Water — up to 90 g.
Easily digestible sugars (fructose, glucose, sucrose) — up to 12 g.
Fiber — 0.5 g.
Proteins — 0.7 g.
Vitamins and Minerals:
Vitamin C — 7 mg.
Vitamin B1 — 0.04-0.08 mg.
Vitamin B2 — 0.02-0.03 mg.
Vitamin B6 — 0.09-0.14 mg.
Potassium — 64 mg.
Magnesium — 224 mg.
Calcium — 14 mg.
Phosphorus — 9 mg.
Iron — 1 mg.
Lycopene (an antioxidant responsible for its red color).
Watermelon seeds contain up to 35% oil, which includes beneficial fatty acids like linolenic and linoleic acids.
Calorie Content of Watermelon
The calorie content of watermelon is just 30-40 kcal per 100 g, making it a light and refreshing addition to your summer diet.
Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon is valued for its high water content, natural hydration benefits, and rich variety of vitamins. It’s often included in diets to quench thirst and replenish mineral balance during hot weather. Additionally, watermelon stands out for its rich composition and versatility:
Source of antioxidants: Lycopene and vitamin C help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Supports hydration: Thanks to its high water content, watermelon helps maintain proper hydration.
Low calorie content: A great option for a light snack.
Fiber content: Contributes to comfortable digestion.
B vitamins: Play a role in energy metabolism.
Magnesium and potassium: Essential for maintaining normal muscle tone and overall well-being.
Creative and Refreshing Ways to Use Watermelon:
Fresh slices: A perfect addition to summer salads.
Watermelon juice: A natural beverage best served chilled.
Watermelon honey: A traditional treat made by evaporating watermelon juice.
Watermelon seeds: Often used to make plant-based milk.
Infusions and decoctions from the rind: Popular in traditional cooking and recipes.
Pickled watermelon: A unique way to preserve the taste of summer.
Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon Honey (Nardek)
Ingredients:
Watermelon flesh (any quantity).
Instructions:
Crush the watermelon flesh and strain it through a sieve to separate the juice.
Bring the juice to a boil and remove the foam.
Strain the juice again and bring it back to a boil.
Simmer the juice over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the volume reduces by 5-6 times.
Pour the finished watermelon honey into glass jars and let it cool.
Watermelon honey can be added to drinks, porridge, or used as a natural sweetener.
Watermelon Milk
Ingredients:
1 part watermelon seeds.
10 parts water.
Instructions:
Grind the watermelon seeds using a mortar or blender.
Soak the crushed seeds in cold water for 6-8 hours.
Strain the liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth.
For added flavor, you can mix in some honey or fruit syrup.
Watermelon milk is a refreshing drink with a mild flavor and light texture.
Pickled Watermelon
Ingredients:
1 kg watermelon flesh (or rinds peeled of the green part).
500 ml water.
2 tbsp salt.
2 tbsp sugar.
50 ml apple cider vinegar.
Spices to taste (cloves, coriander, bay leaf).
Instructions:
Cut the watermelon flesh or rinds into small pieces.
Bring water to a boil and add salt, sugar, vinegar, and spices. Stir well.
Pour the hot marinade over the watermelon pieces in sterilized jars.
Seal the jars with lids and let them cool at room temperature.
Store in the refrigerator. Pickled watermelon will be ready in 2-3 days.
This unusual recipe adds bright flavor accents to your diet.
Watermelon in Skincare
Watermelon flesh and juice are widely used in homemade cosmetic recipes for their refreshing effects. Here are a few ideas:
Toning face mask:
Apply fresh watermelon pulp to clean skin on the face and neck.
Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Watermelon juice ice cubes:
Freeze juice in ice cube trays.
Rub an ice cube over your face in the morning to refresh and tone the skin.
Skin compress:
Soak gauze in freshly squeezed watermelon juice and apply it to your face for 15-20 minutes.
Rinse your face with cool water.
How to Choose a Watermelon
To enjoy a ripe and sweet watermelon, pay attention to the following signs:
Dry stem: Indicates the fruit’s ripeness.
Yellow spot on the side: Shows that the watermelon ripened naturally in the sun.
Hollow sound when tapped: A sign of ripeness.
Distinct pattern on the rind: The more contrasting the stripes, the better.
Seeds and shape: “Female” watermelons (with a flatter bottom) are often sweeter and have fewer seeds.
Tips for Checking Quality:
The cut surface of the watermelon should be grainy, not smooth.
The fibers inside the flesh should be white. Yellow fibers may indicate poor quality.
If you mash a piece of watermelon in water, the water should become cloudy but not colored.
How to Store Watermelon
Proper storage tips ensure you can preserve the freshness and flavor of watermelon for longer:
Whole watermelons: Store at room temperature in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. They can last up to 10 days under these conditions.
Cut watermelons: Wrap the pieces tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
Freezing: Watermelon flesh can be frozen for later use in smoothies or desserts. Cut it into cubes, spread them on a tray, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the refreshing taste of watermelon even after the peak season!
Conclusion
Watermelon is not just a summer dessert but also a versatile product that can be used in cooking, skincare, and even for creating unique beverages. It’s perfect for those seeking a refreshing and light way to diversify their menu.
Enjoy watermelon and make it a part of your summer!