The Mom I Want to Be

Every August 3rd is National Watermelon Day so go out and cut yourself a nice large slice of the dripping juicy fruit!

No other vegetable or fruit delivers more lycopene per serving than watermelon. Lycopene reduces the risks for certain cancers (prostate, uterine, gastrointestinal, lung), promotes cardiovascular health and male fertility, and prevents macular degeneration. Add to that the fact that watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C. A cup of fresh watermelon delivers 24.3% of the daily recommended value for vitamin C and 11.1% of vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts the immune system and prevents night blindness. Vitamin C bolsters the immune system to protect against infections. Watermelon is also a significant source of vitamins B6 and B1 — necessary for producing energy. Vitamin B6 is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine.

 

Collage Watermelon

 1/2 of a paper plate

Glue

Red and Green construction paper cut or torn into little squares

Black cut as the seeds

Scissors 

Cut the red and green construction paper into little mini squares ( or you can have the kids tear them). Cut the paper plate in half. Cover paper plate red squares by gluing down to paper plate. Glue green squares to the edge of paper plate. Glue on black construction paper to be the seeds!

Types of Watermelon

 

Picnic

These are your standard types of watermelons and consist of three main types. There’s the Allsweet – your standard watermelon – that is long and about 18-30 lbs. Next is Crimson Sweet which is smaller and can be round or oblong, weighing 16-35 lbs. And finally, the Jubilee type which is Oblong and large, weighing 20-45 lbs. Many different heirloom varieties fall in to this common category.

 

Seedless

Seedless watermelons are the product of cross-breeding plants. Although they are called “seedless” they generally have soft, pale seeds. The color of the flesh can range from pink to yellow.

 

Icebox

Icebox melons are generally smaller than regular melons and have been bred to be round (to fit in the icebox easily). These come in both red and yellow flesh, and can be seedless too.

 

Personal

Personal watermelons are smaller versions of the classic summer fruit, usually topping out at no more than five pounds (2.2 kilograms). The specially bred watermelons are sweeter than other watermelon varieties, and also have a thinner rind, making more of the overall weight of personal watermelons edible.

 

Yellow/Orange Flesh

There’s not much difference in flavor (depending on the variety and who you ask) between Red and Yellow/Orange/White/Pink flesh watermelons, however the flesh is surprisingly bright in color.

Mini Jell-o Watermelons

Watermelon Dessert:

 

Watermelon Cake – Who knew you could make a cake out of watermelon! This pretty dessert uses watermelon, whipped cream or frosting and berries. Simply divine!
 

Watermelon Beverages and Iced Goodies:

 

Watermelon Sorbet – This cool dessert from Rachael Ray, takes just about 30 minutes to make.

Watermelon Cooler – From Ms. Paula Deen, this simple dish uses lemon sorbet, lemon, watermelon and cold water and takes just 5 minutes to make. You’ll need a food processor to make it nice and smooth.

Melon and Banana Crush Smoothie – Melon, banana, vanilla ice-cream and a splash of cranberry juice!

Watermelon Ice Cubes

Watermelon Limeade – This recipe from David Lawrence, calls for watermelon, lime juice, sugar, ice and a few mint sprigs.

Watermelon Gazpacho Shooters – Besides watermelon, you’ll need cayenne pepper, lime, tomatillos and a few shot glasses to boot from the Hearty Boys.
  

Miscellaneous Fun:

 

Tomato, Watermelon and Basil Skewers – From the Food Network’s Giada De Laurentiis, you’ll need watermelon, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and a vinaigrette for this 20-minute dish..

Watermelon Salsa – A little bit of sweet, a little bit of spicy – a whole lotta good!

Watermelon Pickles – Instead of cucumbers, you’ll use watermelon rind.

Watermelon Mobile – Print out this template and make a watermelon mobile!

 

 

Make a craft that looks like a slice of watermelon using a paper plate and real watermelon seeds. A fun craft for Summer!

 

Paper Plate

Green and Red Paint

Watermelon Seeds

Craft Glue

 

Paint about 1-inch of the outside edge of the paper plate green. Paint the rest of paper plate red. Let the glue dry. Glue the watermelon seeds all over the red circle to create a “slice” of watermelon!

 

 

 

More Crafts to Make:

 

Try making this watermelon art.

Make this watermelon beaded safety pin.

Here is a watermelon picture to print and color.

Make a watermelon collage by gluing red pieces of tissue paper on a round, green piece of construction paper.

Make one of these 3-D Fruit Mobiles.

Print out and color some of these watermelon pictures, crafts, and games.

 

Other Things To Do:

 

Go to the grocery store or a farmer’s market and pick out a watermelon.

Talk about the different textures of a watermelon.

Talk about the color green.

Talk about circles.

Have watermelon for snack.

Count the seeds in your piece of watermelon.

Have a watermelon seed spitting contest.

Learn more about the watermelon.

Check out these fun Watermelon Ideas!