Watermelon -Summer's Fun Fruit

What's an all natural cooler that's low calorie and fun?

Watermelon!

Nothing screams hot weather and fun eating that this bright pink fruit that's always cut into a big smile.It's cool and refreshing and just the perfect dessert for hot sticky days.

Watermelons started out in African Kalahari desert and were eaten as early as 5,000 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. There are even hieroglyphs depicting it as being part of daily life.The seeds were spread to China (possibly via the Silk Route) and it's still enjoyed there today. Thirteenth century Moors brought the fruit to Europe during their raids. Slaves brought it over to America where it was grown primarily in the South. The watermelon is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family which means it tho fruit grows on both vines and trailers. One watermelon vine can produce as many as one hundred melons. It was also bred to be seedless which most grocery stores sell alongside seeded ones.Watermelon is a great source of Vitamins A, C and BC as well as potassium. A cup of cubed watermelon is only forty-six calories so it's the perfect snack or dessert for dieters.

How to serve watermelon?. Chilled and sliced. You can get out the trusty melon baller and make balls for a melon parfait using it, cantaloupe and green melon. Many people turn a larger watermelon into a decorative basket. This old idea has been around for decades but it is a nice finish to any meal. They scoop out the middle, reserve that, and then fill with various fruits such as the melon pieces , strawberries, sliced bananas and pineapple chunks. This makes a festive end to any summer barbecue or out door party.You can also puree your watermelon to make ice or granita. Add other fruits such as pineapple or berries for a more interesting zing.

Watermelon is the perfect hot weather treat. It's not only sweet but refreshing and light. It's like a cool rain for your palate.