Nutritional benefit

• Watermelon has 92% water content and it keeps one refreshed and revitalised

• Loaded with Vitamin A and C, it strengthens immunity, improves vision and nourishes from within

• The lycopene content promotes healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure

• Despite being sweet, watermelon remains a low-calorie, low-fat, guilt-free indulgence for those mindful of their weight and wellness

• It also aids in digestive health and prevents constipation

• Due to its hydrating properties, the fruit is the skin’s best friend as well

• Though ongoing research is still exploring watermelon’s potential, studies have shown that it may prevent cancer

Frozen watermelon margarita

Ingredients

Watermelon cut into cubes: 800g

Tequila: 125ml

Triple sec: 75ml

Lime: 2, zested and juiced, plus a wedge for the rim

Honey: 2 tsp

For the garnish

Sea salt flakes: 4 tsp

Caster sugar: 2 tsp

Chilli flakes: ¼ tsp

Method

Put the watermelon pieces in a freezer-proof container and keep them overnight until solid. As it cools, prepare the garnish for the rim of each glass. Combine the sea salt flakes, sugar, chilli flakes and lime zest in a small bowl. Set aside. Once the watermelon pieces are set, put them along with tequila, triple sec, lime juice and honey in a food processor and churn them until smooth. Run a lime wedge around the rims then dip in the garnish mix. Pour the drink into the glasses. Serve immediately.

Watermelon Popsicles

Ingredients

Medium-sized watermelon: One

Lime juice

Method

Cut one medium-sized watermelon and chop them into cubes. In a blender, add the melon pieces and freshly squeezed lime juice for a better taste. Blend until completely smooth. Pour the watermelon mixture into popsicle molds, cover and add popsicle sticks to them. Finally, freeze the popsicles until they’re set, either 4 hours or overnight.

Watermelon pudding

Ingredients

Watermelon: 4 cups (coarsely chopped)

Cornstarch: 2 tbsp

Granulated sugar: ¼ cup

Vanilla bean: ½

Fresh lemon juice: 2 tsp

Garnish

Whipped cream (optional)

Unsalted pistachios (chopped or ground)

Method

Blend the watermelon pieces until smooth. Pour through a strainer into a cup. This will have 3 cups of watermelon juice. Take 2 tbsp watermelon juice into a small bowl and add cornstarch. Stir until it’s smooth. Pour the remaining watermelon juice into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 min. Add sugar and vanilla seeds, then whisk until sugar is dissolved. Stir the cornstarch mixture again and add to the watermelon juice. Simmer and stir occasionally, for 3 minutes. Add lemon juice. Pour the pudding through a clean strainer into small glass jars. Cover and chill for 3 hours.

Watermelon rind pickle

Courtesy: The Spruce Eats

Ingredients

Watermelon rind: 0.97kg

Pickling salt: 1/4 cup

Water: 4 cups

Granulated sugar: 2 cups

White vinegar: 1 cup

Cinnamon stick, broken up: 1 tbsp

Whole cloves: 1 ½ tsp

Thinly sliced lemon: 1/2

Method

Remove the dark green and pink parts from the watermelon rind. Cut rind into 1-inch cubes and measure out 7 cups. Put the rind in a container with salt and 3 cups of water. Add more water to cover the rinds, if necessary. Soak overnight. Drain and rinse rind. Cover the rind with cold water in a saucepan. Simmer for about 10 minutes. Combine the sugar, vinegar, cinnamon, whole cloves, and remaining 1 cup water. Simmer for 10 minutes in a pot. Add the drained watermelon rind, lemon slices, and simmer the mixture for 30 min. Fill half-pint jars with the hot watermelon rind and syrup mixture, Jars should be kept in boiling water for 5 min. Then let it cool.

Watermelon, cucumber, feta salad

Ingredients

Honey: 2 tbsp, Lime juice: 2 tbsp

Extra virgin olive oil: 1 to 2 tbsp

Salt: a pinch , Salad

Watermelon (peeled, cut into cubes): ½

Cucumber (cubed): 2 cups

Fresh mint leaves (chopped): 15

Fresh basil leaves (chopped): 15

Crumbled feta cheese: ½ cup

Method : In a bowl, whisk honey, lime juice, olive oil and a pinch of salt together. Set aside for a moment. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon, cucumbers, and fresh herbs. Top the watermelon salad with the dressing and gently toss to combine. Add the feta cheese.