August 3 is National Watermelon Day! Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit that has become a staple at family picnics and cookouts. Did you know that watermelons are 92% water? No wonder they’re so refreshing! There are around 300 different kinds of watermelon in the U.S. and Mexico. You can find red, pink, white, and yellow varieties in various sizes and shapes. Watermelons are usually quite large, and many county fairs award prizes for the biggest ones. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the heaviest watermelon weighed 262 pounds. To celebrate National Watermelon Day, have some watermelon for dessert tonight! Slice it up and eat it plain, cook it on the grill, mix it into a salsa, or blend it into a cocktail. Enjoy!
Watermelonade Recipe:
1 (12-pound) watermelon (preferably seedless) 1/4 cup sugar, divided 4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, divided 16 cups ice cubes, divided
Garnish: lemon slices; mint sprigs
Cut watermelon flesh into 2-inch chunks and discard rind. Purée one fourth of watermelon in a blender with 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice, 4 cups ice, and a pinch of salt. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl, discarding solids. Make 3 more batches. Add sugar to taste if desired and serve over ice.
Cooks’ note: Watermelonade can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered. Drink will separate; re-blend before serving.
Watermelon Facial Mask Recipe:
Ingredients:
1/4 watermelon
Mash up 1/4 of a watermelon and drain off the excess juice. You’re also going to want to make sure you get rid of the seeds or it might not make for the most pleasant of masks! By applying the mixture to the face for 15 minutes you will reap the rewards of the highly powerful antioxidant effects attributed to the watermelon. A great way to achieve a thorough cleansing!
