Watermelon is the fruit for summer!

Now that summer is here and it's beach time, you might want to know a little fact. Watermelons can prevent you from getting dehydrated and help quench your thirst when you go to the beach, or when you are in the sun for long periods of time.

Yes!, this fruit has always been considered the emblematic summer fruit thanks to its high percentage of water, its delicate sweet flavor, and its somewhat crunchy texture.Watermelon contains as much as 90% water. In central Africa, where it was first discovered, the custom of serving a few pieces of this delicious fruit as a thirst quencher to travelers and tourists has been established for centuries. It also played a very important role in ancient Egypt, where water was (and still is) in short supply, so much so that pharaohs were often buried with a few watermelons to ensure they would not get thirsty during their trip to the outer world, (ha!, interesting history right?)

Nowadays, throughout the world, watermelon has its aficionados who enjoy different ways of preparing it. Depending on the varieties, watermelon flesh can be light pink, yellow, orange or even creamy white. But the reddish fuchsia-like color remains the most popular, especially among North American growers, who produce about one third of the annual world crop. Watermelon is a member of the cucurbitacean family, which links it to cucumbers, cantaloupe or squash, which all grow on vines, on the ground.

Watermelon is not only an excellent thirst-quencher; it also has the potential to reduce chronic inflammation which is suspected to cause illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, arthritis, coronary disease and certain cancers. This protective phenomenon is linked to a high content of antioxidant elements, whose main purpose is to travel throughout the body searching out free radicals to destroy them. Those free radicals can be found in the sun’s rays, and can also be caused by pollution.

This juicy and savory fruit contains beta-carotene, a carotenoid and powerful antioxidant, although in smaller quantities than is found in carrots. The beta-carotene transforms into Vitamin A in the blood which protects against age-related macular degeneration. It is also rich in Vitamins C, B6, and B1, which help maintain our energetic capacity and to optimize body functions. It’s also a good source of magnesium, and potassium.

So, there you have it, take your watermelon to the beach! and don't forget to take your water as well; and the most important thing: Sunblock; and swim away! :)

Here is a yummy recipe
Feta cheese-watermelon antipasto
(4 portions)

• 1 small watermelon
• 8 oz Greek Feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 lemon, squeezed
• 1 small dry sausage, thinly sliced
• A few drops of olive oil
• Dry oregano to taste

Slice the watermelon in large slices, then cut them into triangles. On each triangle, sprinkle a bit of Feta cheese, then the lemon juice and some lemon zest. Add a few crushed walnuts and slices of dry sausage. Finish with a few drops of olive oil and a pinch of oregano. Serve immediately.

Enjoy and until next time!
Glenda