My mother-in-law tells a tale about watermelon. Like any entertaining story hers artfully combines plot, setting and character with a healthy dose of conflict.
The setting is an unassuming Iowa backyard, on a sweltering summer day during some earlier decade. An immigrant grandmother and her young grandson while away the afternoon accompanied by a particularly perfect summer watermelon—just harvested. Heavy as a bowling ball, when bisected the rosy interior drips with sweet, watery juice. The moist fruit might as easily be sucked through a straw as chewed. Faces wet and sugar-kissed, the pair happily eat and eat, well past the point when reason tells them to stop. Neither can resist. Each succulent wedge oozes with hydrating flavor. And in the heat of an Iowa day, what better way could there be to lounge with a loved one?
At some point the idyllic afternoon begins to fray. Tummies and bladders are full—in fact, poised to rupture—and true to textbook story structure this is where the conflict is introduced. The outside door is locked. Inexplicably.
Each of us can relate to this sort of leg-crossing predicament. It’s happened, once or twice. Maybe not loading up on melon (which, by the way, is comprised of about 92% water by weight). Perhaps the mistake was in the one too many cups of tea before a long hike or the bottle of water gulped down on a drive along a remote stretch of road. And what parent can forget the simple reality of the newly potty-trained preschooler with an urge to go—inevitably at the opposite corner of the mall from the necessary facilities. No matter the details, the crisis is universal.
Luckily the Iowa backyard has a few leafy shrubs for cover. Plus four year olds are eager to skip formalities anyway. Nonetheless, lesson learned. Restroom logistics should be considered (and doors left wide open) before gorging on juicy, summer watermelon.
Watermelon is not only bursting with healthy hydration, it’s surprisingly nutritious for something that feels like a treat. Like tomatoes, it’s an excellent source of antioxidant lycopene, protective against many forms of cancer (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal) and inflammation that can lead to asthma, diabetes, arthritis and hardening of the arteries. Storing watermelon at room temperature actually increases its antioxidant levels. If you prefer yours cold, just chill it down in the fridge before serving. Lycopene is a fat-soluble substance. Eating watermelon with a touch of oil can increase absorption. How about a refreshing melon salad tonight, with arugula, cubed feta, fresh herbs and salty kalamata olives? Dress it up with fruity California olive oil.
Recipes for the Week:
Watermelon Salad with Cucumber, Radish and Lime
Try drinking your melon. Refreshing agua fresca is a traditional Mexican beverage made with fresh fruit, water and a bit of sugar. This version blends watermelon, lime and mint. For a grown-up twist, check this cocktail out (find the recipe link embedded in the left margin of the article).
For a double dose of ultra-healthy lycopene, this salad is just the ticket. It combines two of the summer garden’s lycopene-laden superstars: tomatoes and watermelon.
