10 Takes on Watermelon

Posted by Regan Burns

One of my favorite summer treats is cool, refreshing watermelon; I can eat it every single day of the summer and never tire of it. Apparently, I'm not alone in my melon worship -- watermelon is one of America's favorite fruits -- we consume 16 pounds per person annually!

A lot of people I know say that although they love watermelon, they have a hard time purchasing a whole one because they just don't know what to do with all of it. Admittedly, 10 pounds of anything edible is quite a commitment.

My advice? Immediately cut the entire melon up right when you get it home. (I usually turn about 1/4 of mine into slices and the rest in chunks.) Soon you'll be wondering why you didn't buy two!

Here are 10 of my favorite uses for fresh watermelon:

10 Uses for a Whole Watermelon

1. Blend chunks with fresh lime juice and sugar to make Watermelon Limeade.
2. Toss balls or cubes with fresh mint, sugar, salt, and a little rum for a refreshing, no-cook dessert.
3. Blend with sugar and freeze into molds for homemade Watermelon Pops.
4. Pair it with salty, tangy feta and spicy arugula for an out-of-this-world salad.
5. Use unflavored gelatin to create a new spin on Jell-O. You may never use the powdered stuff again!
6. Save the trimmings to make our easy version of a Southern classic: Pickled Watermelon Rind.
7. Sprinkle slices with a mixture of salt and cayenne pepper. Serve with lime wedges.
8. Freeze chunks of melon to use in lieu of ice in blended cocktails like watermelon margaritas.
9. Swap tomatoes for watermelon in a fresh take on a classic chilled summer soup.
10. Marinate chunks of melon (and other favorite fruits) in tequila and lime zest, then thread on skewers for a refreshing grown-up snack.

And for tips on selecting a ripe one, check out this "In Season" article from Everyday Food.

Comments

[napa farmhouse 1885]

the "cut up the watermelon as soon as you get home" is brilliant...why didn't i think of that? easy snacks throughout the day!!..and mess only one time...

[Kristin]

Is there any MS recipe for watermelon sherbet? I didn't see one. I have an ice cream maker and would like to put it to use. I tried a recipe for the sherbet from an old cookbook but came out tasting flat.

[Denise]

I actually cut my whole mellon up in the sink. Usually sits sorta nice in the drain. Makes cleanup very easy also.

[sandygluck]

Kristin,
You can try making a granita http://www.marthastewart.com/portal/site/mslo/menuitem.fc77a0dbc44dd1611e3bf410b5900aa0/?vgnextoid=4fd7f4553aec5110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default&rsc=type_18&autonomy_kw=watermelon+granita

or, if the watermelon sherbet tasted flat add some lime juice and a pinch of salt and that should help pick it up. I'd do a combo of watermelon and pomegranate juice. Also, an herb like mint, basil, or even a little tarragon might help. Good luck!