August 22, 2014

Harvest Time! Watermelons

               Photo: Harsha K R

Back up the truck! It’s time to load up on watermelons.

Some studies have found watermelon to have 40% higher lycopene than tomatoes and the brighter red the better! (“1 ½ cups of watermelon contains about 9 to 13 milligrams of lycopene”)  Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and may reduce the risk of heart disease and some kinds of cancer.

Did you leave your watermelon out at that picnic? Not to worry! Studies have found 140% higher beta carotene when watermelon is warm than when it’s in the fridge. Leave your watermelon on the counter instead of taking up room in the fridge.

That’s not all. Watermelon is also full of ; vitamin C, pantothenic acid,  copper, biotin, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B6,  magnesium, and thiamin.

Looking for a quick way to eat your watermelon? Try slicing it in half then place both halves on their flat sides.  Slice straight down in rows then turn it ninety degrees and do the same. You’ll have a green handled stick of watermelon perfectly bite size.