Family and Consumer News: Enjoying watermelon

Watermelon, the fruit that is really a vegetable, is a sweet and delicious summer treat that provides us with many health benefits.

Watermelon is usually available March through October, though most are sold during the summer months.

When selecting a watermelon, choose firm, symmetrical fruit, free of cracks, bruises, and soft spots. Ripe watermelons will have a healthy sheen, they will be neither very shiny nor very dull, but somewhere in between. If the stem is still attached, it should look dry and brown. A green stem is a sign that perhaps the watermelon was picked too soon. Look for the underside of the watermelon when making your selection. It should be yellowish where it touched the ground. Avoid watermelons that are very hard or white on the underside. This is an indication that it has not ripened.

Once picked, watermelons do not ripen easily. They can be kept uncut, at room temperature for up to two weeks. Wash watermelon with soap and water before cutting. Once cut, package what is not eaten in plastic containers or bags and store in the refrigerator.

There are more than 50 varieties of watermelon. They are generally divided into “picnic” and “ice-box” varieties. Picnic types usually weigh 12 to 50 pounds and ice-box varieties, which are designed to fit in a refrigerator, weigh five to 10 pounds. Most watermelons have red flesh, but there are varieties with orange flesh, as well as yellow flesh. There is little difference in taste among the three flesh types.

Watermelons are about 92 percent water and 8 percent sugar. They have about 25 calories per half-cup serving and are fat free and cholesterol free. They contain Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and iron.

Below is a quick and easy recipe for watermelon smoothies for a cool and refreshing snack.

6 cups coarsely chopped watermelon, seeds removed

1 cup lemon sherbet

12 ice cubes

Place half of the watermelon in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Add half of the sherbet and ice; cover and process until smooth. Repeat. Pour into chilled glasses, serve immediately. Yield: six servings.

For further information, you may contact Adrianne Vidrine at the LSU AgCenter at (337) 788-8821 or you can also visit our website at www.lsuagcenter.com.