Seasonal & Holidays
11 Ways You Should Be Enjoying Watermelon This Summer
Did you know you can grow a watermelon in a pot? It's true. Get more handy hacks for enjoying this summer fruit, plus a few recipes.
Don't you just love discovering new ways to enjoy old favorites? Us too. Especially when it comes to food.
In case you forgot to mark it on your calendar, Aug. 3 is National Watermelon Day. To celebrate the special summer occasion, we've rounded up some of our favorite ways to enjoy the seasonal fruit to its fullest.
From refreshing recipes to summery decor and even some beauty secrets, you're sure to come away with an even greater appreciation of all things watermelon. You're welcome.
Find out what's happening in Across Americafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
#1 Cool Off with a Watermelon Popsicle
Kiddos and adults alike will love these tasty watermelon ice pops, which get their green and white stripes from kiwi and coconut milk.
Find out what's happening in Across Americafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
#2 Top Your Tables with a Punchy Centerpiece
Hosting a summer soiree or cookout this month? Give your tablescapes some seasonal flair with these watermelon arrangements. To craft, just hollow out a watermelon and fill with your favorite blooms. (Pink flowers are a great option if you want to keep with the whole watermelon vibe, but we could also see white flowers looking crisp against the green.) Once you've gotten all of that carving out of the way, you can literally snack on the fruits of your labor.
Made with pureed watermelon and jalepeño peppers, this cocktail packs plenty of heat and even more color. Garnish the rim of your glass with some habanero salt and prepare to be wowed.
#4 Choose the Perfect Watermelon Every Time
Leaving the grocery store with 10 pounds of unripened watermelon is a rookie mistake. Here's how to tell which one you should grab out of the crate and which ones you should leave behind.
Next time you carve up your watermelon, don't be so quick to toss out its rind (the green part). You can transform it into a pickled snack in just five days with the help of some garlic and saltwater brine.
#6 We Repeat: Save Those Rinds!
You can also recycle the oft-overlooked rind by using it in this sweet candy recipe.
Grilling a watermelon might seem a bit strange, but hear us out. Adding that heat will caramelize the watermelon, giving it a nice smoky flavor that adds complexity to the sweetness. Enjoy it on its own or throw it in a salad with some feta and mint.
See more fun watermelon facts:
#8 Learn This Foolproof Method for Cutting Watermelon
The oversized oval fruit can be quite the worthy opponent when you attempt to slice it up. Master these ninja carving skills, and your next watermelon won't stand a chance on the cutting board.
Pamper your skin during these hot summer months with a homemade toner made with watermelon juice, witch hazel and distilled water. In addition to its hydrating properties, watermelon is chock full of the antioxidant lycopene, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Note: Unlike some toners, you'll want to rinse this off after a few minutes.
#10 Make a Pizza
Cheese pizza with tomato sauce is so last season... OK, fine, that's not true. But for a sweet, healthy twist on the normally savory treat, opt for a watermelon pizza that's topped with cream, mint, honey, and various summer fruits. Not only is it delicious, but it'll look gorgeous sitting on your patio table.
We don’t all have space in our backyards (or fire escapes) to grow a full-on watermelon patch. Luckily, we found out that it is possible to grow some of these fruits in confined spaces.
Now take a page out of this little pup's book, and go eat some watermelon:
More Summer Stories Across Patch:
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
