ByAcademy of Culinary NutritionLast updated onReading Time: 5 minutes
Temperatures are heating up and the days are getting longer. Hours spent at the beach or backyard barbeques all point to summer, but for me, watermelons are a sure sign summer has arrived. This large gourd of a fruit, which some say moonlights as a vegetable, might be mostly water, but that doesn’t mean it lacks nutritional value. This red, juicy fruit is more than a sweet side dish or source for seed spitting contests at summer picnics. It’s a great hydrator and full of heart-healthy vitamins, and there are so many watermelon recipes to try!
Need a little help choosing your melon? The best tasting watermelons are those that are in season. Look for one that has a smooth rind with a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground to ripen. A white spot means it hasn’t fully ripened. Store in a cool place and once cut, keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
A big, red, juicy wedge of chilled watermelon is always delicious, but if you want to branch out and see what other personalities this fruit has, try one of these watermelon recipes:
10 ways to use watermelon + Watermelon Recipes
Watermelon Popsicles
Place cut wedges of watermelon on popsicle sticks and top with fresh squeezed lime, a drizzle of honey and a pinch of sea salt – eat right away.
Sorbet is so refreshing and this three-ingredient watermelon sorbet couldn’t be easier to make, though I recommend using coconut sugar, raw honey, maple syrup or coconut syrup instead of white sugar.
Cocktails are a lot more fun when watermelons are on the scene. If you want to make this mojito of the virgin variety, try using kombucha instead of rum!
I’m all about grilling this summer and I’m thrilled to have another thing to throw on the BBQ: watermelon. Grilling avocados takes them to a whole new level – like in this grilled guacamole – but if you’re not a fan, just grill the watermelon on its own in this salad recipe.
Reading Time: 5 minutes 
