Green outside, red when cut and containing little black and white bits. This fruit is a local favourite and can be made into drinks, appetisers, desserts, or even steaks! With the heat always being a constant in Singapore, this hydrating fruit which contains 92% water, is bound to refresh your day. Read on to know more about, drumroll please, juicy watermelons!
Watermelon History
Watermelon is known to have originated from South Africa but was first cultivated in Egypt more than 5000 years ago. Unlike the juicy and sweet watermelons that we are familiar with, watermelon used to taste bitter. Only after years of selective breeding in various countries that the watermelon we know of were produced.
Health Benefits
Watermelon is the perfect fruit to keep you hydrated and lose weight due to its high water content, low calories, and high vitamin and nutrient content. Watermelon contains vitamins C, A, B1, B5, B6, potassium and magnesium. By containing vitamin A and C, watermelon is able to supplement healthy skin and hair growth. Vitamin A, C, B6, potassium and magnesium are also good for the heart.
Zero-waste
Although not usually consumed, watermelon rinds can actually be eaten. There are various ways in which you can devour the rinds. The classic way will be to pickle the rinds, which will result in a refreshing and crunchy snack, a salad topping or a side dish for meals. You can also stir-fry the rinds and have them be tonight’s dinner highlight. For the sweet-toothed, you can make watermelon rind jams! It will be perfect as a pastry accompaniment or to give your yoghurt that extra oomph.
How To Choose The Best Watermelon
When talks of watermelon arise, a frequently asked question is how to choose the tastiest and sweetest watermelon. Fret not; we will list down several details you can take note of to make sure you are bringing the best watermelon home.
1. Weight
If the watermelons look about the same size, lift them up and choose the one that is the heaviest. A heavier watermelon is juicier as it should contain more water.
2. Field Spot
The field spot is located at the bottom of the watermelon. If the watermelon has a large yellow spot, it is an indication that the watermelon spent more time ripening on the vine and should thus taste sweeter.
Avoid choosing a watermelon with a white field spot as that watermelon will be tasteless
3. Bumps, Dents And Cuts
Avoid choosing a watermelon that has bumps, dents or cuts. Having bumps, dents or cuts may indicate that the watermelon was not watered consistently or may contain insects and fungus.
4. Sound
When tapping the watermelon, make sure than the sound is deep. A deep sound will indicate that the watermelon is ripe.
5. Dried Tail
A dried tail indicates that the watermelon is ripe. A green tail will indicate that the watermelon was picked when it was yet ripe, making that watermelon unripe.
Use the tips above to get a sweet watermelon and try out the juice recipes below!
Watermelon Smoothie
Ingredients:
- Watermelon 170g
- Frozen Watermelon 160g
Steps:
- Remove the rind of the watermelon, and slice into appropriate sizes.
- Put lever on “close.” Alternate putting in the prepared frozen watermelon and freshly cut watermelon.
Watermelon Strawberry
Ingredients:
- Watermelon 200g
- Strawberry 160g
- Lemon 10ml
Steps:
- Remove the rind of the watermelon, and slice into appropriate sizes.
- Remove the stems of the strawberries and wash thoroughly.
- Wash lemon with baking soda and prepare by cutting with the peel intact.
- Extract the juice. Put in the watermelon, strawberries and lemons alternately.
Watermelon Cucumber
Ingredients:
- Watermelon 300g
- Cucumber 100g
- Lime 10ml
Steps:
- Remove the rind of the watermelon, and slice into appropriate sizes.
- Cut off the ends of the cucumber, remove prickles, and slice.
- Wash lime with baking soda and prepare by cutting with the peel intact.
- Extract the juice. Put in the watermelon, cucumbers and lemons alternately.
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Need some ideas for juice recipes? Check out our Hurom recipes here: https://huromsingapore.com/pages/juice-recipes-health