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There are more than 50 varieties of watermelon. Picnic melons weigh up to 50 pounds and ice-box melons weigh 5 to 10 pounds—small enough to fit into a refrigerator.
While most melons have the familiar red flesh, you may find ones with white, yellow and orange flesh as well! And seeds? You can also find seedless melons, but that term isn't exactly accurate. There may be no hard, black seeds, but the tiny, white, edible ones are still present.
This all-American favorite contains plenty of lycopene, a substance thought to protect against certain types of cancer. Summertime is prime melon season, and they go hand-in-hand with grilling and picnics.
When choosing a melon, look for a rind that is neither too shiny or too dull, but with an underside with a creamy white spot where it sat on the ground as it ripened in the sun. This "ground spot" changes from pale white to creamy yellow when it's mature.
If you have leftover melon, chop it up and put it in the freezer. Later, whirl it in the blender with some fruit juice for a chilly, refreshing smoothie! Watermelon ice is also great by itself, or as an addition to lemonade.
Published 07/11/08
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