Aster Annual Calendar 2024

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WATERMELON

If you want to turn your diet tasty, have a slice of watermelon

Fun facts about Watermelon

  • The heaviest recorded watermelon weighed 350.5 pounds (158.8 kg),  heavier than a baby elephant
  • Watermelons come in over 1,200 varieties with different colours and flesh types, not just the traditional green exterior and red interior
  • Both watermelon rind and seeds are edible and nutritious, used in pickling, stir-frying, and as a popular snack in some cultures
  • In certain Asian cultures, watermelon symbolises good luck and prosperity, especially during weddings

A step-by-step guide to pick a good Watermelon

Shape

The field spot is the creamy yellow spot on the bottom of the watermelon where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. Look for a creamy yellow or
orange-yellow spot, indicating ripeness. Avoid watermelons with a white or pale green field spot.

Tap test

When you lightly tap the Watermelon, a ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. If it
sounds dull or flat, it may be underripe.

Weight

Pick up a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. A heavier watermelon typically indicates juiciness.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Reduces Heart Disease Risk

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High In Antioxidant

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Aids Muscle Recovery

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Nourishes Hair And Skin

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Improves Digestion

Two quick and easy Watermelon recipes

Recipe 1: Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped mint leaves.
  • Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the watermelon mixture.
  • Gently toss the salad until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld together before serving.

Recipe 2: Refreshing Watermelon and Strawberry smoothie recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cubed seedless watermelon
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yoghurt
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (optional, adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for added freshness)
  • Ice cubes (optional, if using fresh fruit)

Directions:

  • Place the cubed watermelon, strawberries, Greek yoghurt, honey or agave syrup (if using), and lime juice (if using) in a blender.
  • If using fresh fruit and desiring a colder smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes.
  • Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.
  • Taste the smoothie and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more honey/agave syrup or lime juice if desired.
  • Once smooth and well blended, pour the watermelon smoothie into glasses.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing watermelon and strawberry smoothie.

For more easy and healthy Watermelon recipes watch the video: