Watermelon, The New ‘Steak’ of Summer!

As summer approaches and the mercury rises on the thermometers, the days of heavy, red-meat dishes seem to take a back seat to the bright fresh flavors of summertime produce. This year, the skyrocketing popularity of one particular summer fruit calls for putting a new spin on the adage “it’s steak o’clock somewhere” – watermelon is the new steak of summer!

1. Watermelon: The Best-Kept Secret of Summer

Summertime means an opportunity to relish in the sweetness of watermelon, a refreshing and guilt-free fruit. It’s a hydrating component to any outdoor adventure and the perfect way to kick back and relax in the warmest months of the year.

Watermelon packs a vitamin-rich punch. It contains Vitamin A, B6 and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. Plus, it’s low in calories and is considered a “free-food” on most diets. Here are some other benefits of watermelon:

• Healthy Snack:
  Watermelon is the perfect snack on the go. It’s a quick and portable way to quench your thirst and satisfies those sugar cravings.
• Natural Aids:
  Watermelon is a great source of Lycopene, which has been known to help fight cancer, and measures of citrulline and arginine, both useful for circulation.
• Delicious Treat:
  It’s also an ideal end to a backyard BBQ or picnic lunch during those long, steamy summer days.

Watermelon is the best-kept secret of summer, and it’s a great way to reap all the benefits nature has to offer. Enjoy it this summer and find out what all the fuss is about.

2. Exotic Flavors of Nature: Watermelons

Watermelons have always been one of Nature’s most celebrated gifts to the culinary world. From their sweet and juicy taste to their beautiful red color, they are the perfect summertime treat!

The best part about watermelons, however, is the seemingly endless list of exotic flavors that you can find! From the classic watermelon punch to the more adventurous cucumber-watermelon salsa, you can find something to please every palate. You can even experiment with different combos such as:

• H Lime & Honey Watermelon
• Ginger & Rockmelon Smoothie
• Citrusy Watermelon Salad

The possibilities are truly endless! Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert or a light summer snack, you can never go wrong with a delicious watermelon treat.

3. A Refreshing and Nutritious Alternative to Steak

Beef steak is a classic, but why not try one of these other protein-rich and nutritious alternatives?

• Fish – Salmon, tilapia, mackerel, and tuna are some tasty fish that are just as flavorful with half the fat and calories. Not to mention rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids!
• Beans – Beans are packed with fiber and protein and can provide a hearty meal. Try a vegan chili with black beans, lentils, and chili powder.
• Lentils – Lentils are a good way to add plant protein to your diet. Try a tangy Thai-inspired red curry with tender lentils and vegetables.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, try some lean and healthy grilled chicken or turkey. Or for a vegetarian option, mushrooms are an excellent and delicious alternative that is packed with nutrition. Eating these protein-rich and nutrient-dense alternatives can help to keep your body healthy and energized.

4. Watermelons: The Perfect Summertime Treat

As summer heats up, what could be better than a cool, refreshing watermelon? Watermelons have been a favorite treat around these parts for centuries, noted for their characteristic juicy sweetness and juiciness. They come in a range of sizes and shapes, so no matter your preference, you can have a perfect size watermelon ready to enjoy.

Plus, they go great in a wide variety of recipes and pairings. From watermelon salads to watermelon agua fresca, from spice-rubbed grilled watermelon to berry-and-watermelon smoothies, you can get creative with these healthful fruits that are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The next time you want a tasty treat for your summer picnic or BBQ, consider watermelons for a super satisfying snack!

• They provide an abundance of hydration
• Great for dessert and as snacks
• Versatile—they go with a variety of dishes
• Healthy treat full of vital nutrients

5. Nutrient-Packed Watermelons: Nature’s Most Nutritional Fruit

Watermelons are one of nature’s most nutritious gifts, packed with a ton of nutrients that provide you with a whole range of benefits. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they can also help you meet your body’s vitamin and mineral needs.

• Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Watermelons contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B6, C, and lycopene. Vitamin A supports healthy cell growth, while vitamin B6 helps you absorb proteins, regulate hormone activity, and maintain healthful metabolism. Vitamin C and lycopene both act as antioxidants, protecting your skin from free radical damage and assembling the building blocks of collagen. Additionally, watermelons are rich in potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
• Low in Calories: One cup of watermelon only contains around 50 calories, making it an ideal snack for those trying to maintain a healthy weight. It’s also low in fat and contains no cholesterol.

Watermelons also contain several beneficial plant compounds, such as carotenoids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. These compounds all provide various health benefits, such as lower inflammation and improved heart health, making watermelon the perfect way to stay healthy while still enjoying a delicious and refreshing snack.

6. Eating Watermelons: Benefits for Health and Pleasure

Watermelon is one of the most beloved summer fruits, a wonderful snack consumed all around the world. Beyond tasting great, it offers numerous benefits for our bodies.

There are lots of fantastic ways to enjoy watermelons. Here are just a few of the perks:

• It’s packed with vitamins and minerals. Watermelons contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, B6, and C, potassium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
• It hydrate the body. Watermelons consist of 91.5% water which helps hydrate the body on hot summer days.
• It promotes skin health. Watermelon is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps keep skin healthy and prevents the formation of wrinkles.
• It helps manage blood pressure. Watermelons are rich in potassium and contain a compound called citrulline, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure.

Whether you’re looking for a delicious way to cool down on a hot summer day, or a healthy snack that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, watermelons are an excellent choice. Enjoy the juicy sweetness and reap the potential health benefits!

7. Get Creative with Watermelons: Unique Recipe Ideas

It’s summertime and that means one thing: watermelon season! This juicy and delicious fruit is full of antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is a great healthy snack — plus it’s fun to eat. But why settle for the tried-and-true watermelon slices when you can get creative with this popular summer staple? Here are some unique recipes to try this summer.

• Watermelon Feta Salad: Pair sweet watermelon with salty feta cheese, tart balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil.
• Savory Watermelon Pizza: Make an interesting twist with a classic dish. Top a pre-made pizza crust with watermelon, shaved parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Grilled Watermelon: Get the BBQ out and sprinkle some coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper on thin slices of watermelon. Grill and serve.
• Spicy Watermelon Salsa: Chop up watermelon, cucumber, jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro, combine with a splash of lime juice, and you have a fresh and spicy condiment to serve with tacos, eggs, or anything else.
• Watermelon Mojito: Beat the heat with a refreshing alcoholic beverage – blend some fresh watermelon and combine with your favorite rum, freshly squeezed lime juice, basil leaves, and club soda for a tasty treat.

And don’t forget dessert! Try watermelon frozen yogurt, watermelon popsicles, or a no-bake Watermelon Cream Pie. For an added twist, add some chocolate or almond syrup. There is no limit to what you can do with watermelon — get creative and let the summer fun begin.

8. Exploring the Different Varieties of Watermelons

Watermelons bring a bright and juicy sweetness to the summer season. Popular all over the world, watermelons come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Here are a few of the many varieties available.

• Round Watermelons – Perhaps the most iconic style of this versatile fruit, round watermelons can be medium-sized, large, or extra large and may range in color from light yellow to medium green.
• Seedless Watermelons – These can be large, round or oblong in shape, and in various shades of green, yellow, or pink. They offer all the sweetness of the traditional watermelon without the bother of having to spit out the seeds.
• Personal Watermelons – Tiny watermelons, perfect for 1 or 2 people, these bite-sized treats can be round or oblong in shape and are usually yellow or light green.
• Square Watermelons – Although more difficult to grow, and not as sweet as their round counterparts, these unusual melons, grown in oblong wooden boxes, can be cut into cubed pieces, perfect for a unique party display.

When selecting a watermelon, look for one with a yellow, not white, underside and give it a thump — if it sounds hollow, it’s ripe. With so many varieties to choose from, there’s sure to be the perfect watermelon for everyone!

9. A Brief History of Watermelon: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

Watermelon, the juicy and refreshing summertime staple, has been a delicious favorite for centuries. In fact, its origins trace far back to ancient times.

Egyptians first began cultivating watermelons around 5,000 years ago. They prized their fruits so highly that they even decorated tombs and hieroglyphs with images of watermelons. Watermelons made the difficult journey across the Sahara, eventually becoming a staple in African diets. From African continent, watermelon made its way through the Middle East and eventually to Europe in the 13th century.

• 1700’s: Watermelons were taken to the New World by slaves in the 1700s, eventually making their way to the Americas.
• 1800’s: Its popularity exploded in the 1800s after farmers developed new, seedless varieties.
• 1900’s: Crossing and hybridization of the fruits in the early 1900s gave us new varieties like the Yellow Crimson, Sugar Baby, and even the newfound orange-fleshed watermelons.

These days, people all over the world grow and enjoy watermelons. It is bred for sweetness, size, and its ability to ripen quickly for farmers and consumers alike. With so many varieties on the market, you can now easily find a watermelon to fit your exact needs.

10. Watermelon: It’s Time to Make It the New “Steak” of Summer!

Watermelon is starting to be seen as a much more versatile food than many people thought, and with the warm weather of summer quickly approaching, its time to look past watermelon slice and make watermelon the new “steak” of summer. Watermelon is cooling and sweet, provides an abundance of hydration, vitamins and minerals, and also makes an excellent addition to any outdoor cookout or backyard barbeque. Here are the reasons you should start stocking up on watermelon to make your summer the best one yet.

• It’s Cool and Refreshing: Watermelon is the perfect food on a hot summer day. Whether it’s eaten fresh or served in a refreshing salad, watermelon is a cool and tasty way to get your hydration.
• Versatile: Watermelon can be cut, cubed, blended, frozen, and so much more. Create a summery favorite by mixing it with tomatoes and herbs for a bruschetta topping. Or make delicious popsicles with puréed watermelon.
• Nutrition and Health Benefits: Not only is watermelon super refreshing, but it is also super nutritious. Watermelon has vitamins A and C that are essential for growth, and it is a great source of lycopene, which is known to reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, it is low in calories and loaded with electrolytes, making it a great post-workout snack.

Watermelon is an easy and delicious way to show your summer party guests that you’ve got a few tricks up your sleeve. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, a side dish or the centerpiece of your meal, watermelon is sure to be an instant hit. Ready to bring the goodness of watermelon to your summer? Pick up a bunch of watermelon the next time you’re at the store and discover why it should be the new “steak” of summer!

As the days get longer and the nights get warmer, there is no better way to soak up the flavor of summer than with a succulent slice of watermelon. Refreshing, juicy, and packed with nutrition in every bite, watermelon is the perfect choice for vegans and carnivores alike. So grab a plate, get a knife, and enjoy the healthy “steak” of summer!