watermelons

Nutrition

Watermelon has significant amounts of vitamin A.

A 3 to 4 ounce serving yields 26 calories.

Selection

Examine the spot where the melon has been resting on the ground. A yellow-white spot indicates ripeness-white or pale green suggests immaturity.

Scratch the surface of the rind with your thumbnail. If the outer layer slips back with little resistance showing the green-white under the rind, the watermelon is ripe. Scratching unripe melons only leaves a darker depressed line.

Choose a melon with a smooth surface, dull sheen and well rounded ends.

If buying a cut melon, the more red flesh and less white rind, the riper the melon.

Storage

Watermelons can be stored uncut for 2-3 weeks. Covered, cut melons will keep several days.

Watermelons, if not too mature, can be ripened for a few days at room temperature.

Wrap melons in waxed paper or in secured plastic bags before storing in the refrigerator, as melon aroma readily mingles with other foods.

Preparation

No special preparation needed