10 Fun Ways with Watermelon
By: Toronto4Kids
Watermelon is the perfect summer fruit! And it's healthy! It has no fat or cholesterol. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6 and C and contains fiber and potassium. Watermelon is 92% water so it's a great thirst-quencher. The watermelon's official name is Citrullus Lanatus of the botanical family Curcurbitaceae. It is cousins to cucumbers, pumpkins and squash. The first watermelon was harvested nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Today, over 1,200 varieties of watermelons are grown worldwide.
Here are 10 fun ways with watermelon to get kids to eat more fruit!
Watermelon Slushie
In a blender, combine 2 cups of 1 inch pieces of watermelon. ½ cup of pomegranate juice and ½ cup of ice cubes (4 cubes). Blend until smooth. Serve in a tall glass with a thin slice of watermelon as garnish. 1 to 2 portions.
Watermelon Cupcakes
Cut 8 pieces of watermelon in cupcake shapes, to fit 8 strong cupcake liners. Top with flavoured whipped cream or cream cheese and garnish with coloured/flavoured sprinkles.
Watermelon Kebabs
Cut nice thick squares of watermelons and skewer on fun colourful plastic drink stir-sticks or thick straws. Add other fresh summer fruit such as cantaloupe, kiwi, and strawberries.
Watermelon Shapes
Pick a nice firm watermelon and cut large slices - ½ to ¾ inches thick. Lay slices flat and cut out shapes with metal cookie cutters: flowers, hearts, circles, stars, etc. Arrange on a plate. Kids will have fun eating their favourite shapes. Also try adding flavoured yogurt on your shapes and topping with granola!
Watermelon Dippers
Cut watermelon in sticks much like you would cut celery or carrot sticks. Give the kids flavoured sour cream or yogurts to dip their sticks in!
Watermelon Ice
In a shallow pan, combine 3 cups of pureed seedless watermelon, 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup lime juice. Stir all ingredients together until sugar is dissolved and place the pan in the freezer. Stir watermelon mixture every 20 minutes until it is frozen, about 2 hours. Cover and store in freezer. To serve, break mixture up with a fork.
Watermelon Ice Cubes
Puree seedless watermelon and pour into ice cube trays. Freeze and use them in all your kids' favourite drinks. Adds a great fruity flavour sparkling water and sodas.
Watermelon Popsicles
Puree seedless watermelon and pour into Popsicle moulds. Drop in small chunks of other fresh fruit. Freeze.
Watermelon Mocktail
Place 1 cup watermelon seedless puree, 1 teaspoon grenadine syrup, Juice from one fresh orange, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 2 cups ice cubes (8 cubes) into a martini shaker and shake for 20 seconds. Strain the chilled liquid into a sugar rimmed plastic martini glass. 1 to 2 portions.
Watermelon Yogurt Smoothie
In a blender, puree 1 to 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks, and 1 tablespoon honey. Do not over blend. Pulse in 1 cup lemon yogurt or other flavoured yogurt, just until smooth.
Tip - Watermelon freezes well and will retain its flavour. If you have an oversized watermelon that is not getting eaten, cut up in big chunks and freeze on large cookie sheets. When frozen, drop in a plastic bag. Though you won't be able to serve it as it will turn to mush, you can use it to make popsicles, ice-cubes, smoothies, and other healthy drinks!
© Toronto4Kids - July 2008 |
