Watermelon

One of the great things about summer is watermelon.  I look forward to it each year.  I noticed this week that the first ones have hit the grocery stores.  They are still a little high for my budget but I can't wait for them to come down in prices just a little so I can pick up my first one of the season.  I always buy the seedless ones and then I cut it up and put it in the refrigerator so I can have some when ever I want it.

So since I was thinking about watermelon today, I decided to include some fun tips and tricks.....

 Picking a Watermelon

---  Look at the watermelon.  It should be firm and free of bruises, cuts or dents.
---  Pick it up.  It should be heavy.  Watermelon is 92% water.
---  The bottom of the watermelon should have a yellow spot from where it sat on the ground.

According to Guinness World Records, the world's heaviest watermelon was grown by Lloyd Bright of Arkansas in 2005, weighing in at 268.8 lbs.

The US currently ranks fourth in worldwide production of watermelon.  Forty-four states grow watermelons with Florida, Texas, California, Georgia and Arizona consistently leading the country.

Watermelon has excellent levels of vitamins A and C and a good level of vitamin B6.

• Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.
• Vitamin B6 found in watermelon helps the immune system produce antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.
• Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.
• A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps.

So I hope you get to enjoy some watermelon this spring and/or summer.