Watermelon

When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat ... author, Mark Twain from The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson

Watermelon is an important Mexican agricultural export. Each year the country produces 1.3 million tons of these large melons. Thus, it is no surprise that in Mexican culture - and in many others - watermelons have come to represent the meaning of life, love, abundance and fertility.  

In celebrating Mexico's Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos they are used as positive imagery and as offerings to the earth's creator. They are such a significant life source that Mexican artists Frida Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera, each completed a beautiful watermelon still life as their final work. Also Mexican portrait artist, Rufino Tamaya, became well known for his paintings of individuals savoring the watermelon. 

Earlier this month, Mexico's neighbor to the North, the U.S., also celebrated this special food with National Watermelon Day (03 August). Here it is widely known as an American fruit with Georgia, Florida, California and Texas producing the majority of our seasonal crop. 

Formally known as Citrullus lanatus, the watermelon is an exceptional warm weather refreshment as the soft juicy sweet red flesh is composed primarily of water and sugar. No wonder it is globally considered a source of life as, during periods of water scarcity, these melons have served to prevent dehydration. Other beneficial components of this delicious fruit include: lycopene, citrulline, Vitamin C, potassium, beta carotene and copper. And citrulline has been shown to be an important element in circulation and sexual health.  

While Americans consume watermelon as stand-alone slices or chunks of fruit, North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooks prepare traditional dishes with watermelon as the primary focus. So with watermelons still in abundance take time now to enjoy this refreshing treat and discover their deliciousness in a side dish, main course, or dessert by exploring recipes from across the globe. 

Different Ways to Utilize Watermelon.

Watermelon as a great replacement for tuna. Marinating it in soy, ginger & garlic and then roasting it gives it a tuna like consistence. So using it on a poke bowl or in a sushi roll is ideal. Using fresh cut watermelon in a salad is also another great way to enjoy the sweet fruit. Plant based feta, red onion and avocado compliment it well. Arugula adds a nice bitterness to the sweet fruit in a salad.