Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Pick of the Day: Watermelon



Watermelon is a fruit that truly lives up to its name! Watermelon’s total mass contains about 90% water! Which makes it a perfect fruit for those hot summer months where hydration is critical! Watermelon also makes a great low calorie snack! One cup of diced watermelon contains just 46 calories! In addition, watermelon is a natural anti-inflammatory which has been linked to potentially reduce (but not necessarily a cure) the symptoms of a number of conditions including asthma, arthritis, and even headaches!

Watermelon, a naturally alkaline fruit, has a surprisingly high content of a form of  beta-carotene and another form of vitamin A called lycopene (same as tomatoes) which functions as a very powerful antioxidant against many types of cancers.

How To Pick a Good Watermelon: Based on the condition of the stem and the hollow sound the fruit makes when thumped are the two best indicators when it comes to picking a good watermelon. I prefer to thump my watermelon with my hand. If the fruit feels more solid than hollow, I know that the melon has not fully ripened.


Homemade Watermelon Pops

Ingredients:

1 small Watermelon, chopped into spears (to be juiced).
1 tsp. Xanthan Gum (used as an optional thickener – all natural comes from plants)

You will also need:
Popsicle Trays   (Try Amazon.com or Williams Sonoma and/ or Bed Bath and Beyond for BPA-free trays).


Instructions:

Using a juicer or a fruit muddler, extract the juice from the melon and transfer it to a liquid measuring cup. Thoroughly stir in the xanthan gum until fully dissolved. Pour liquid into trays. Freeze for about two hours. To remove pops form the tray, run under hot water for a few seconds. Remove pop and enjoy!

Serving Size is one pop:


© Kate Ezra Wolf, 2012 


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