By Becca Newell // Recipes by David's Natural Market in Gam ills // Photography by Tony Lewis, Jr.
A quintessential Maryland cookout often highlights three items: corn, crabs, and watermelon—particularly slices, fresh or grilled, with a sprinkle of salt, spritz of lime, or a number of other seasonings that complement its subtle sweetness. But here, we invite you (and your palate!) to discover a few new ways to enjoy summer’s juiciest bounty.
Although watermelons are approximately 92 percent water, they’re loaded with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, electrolytes, and antioxidants, like lycopene, which studies suggest may boast anti-inflammatory properties. A ripe watermelon will be heavy for its size with a creamy, yellow-ish “field spot”—the area where the fruit lay on the ground while growing. You can also tap the underside of the watermelon and expect a hollow sound. (A dull sound means the fruit is under- or over-ripe).
Watermelon Salsa
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 cups small diced seedless watermelon
- 1 cup diced red onion (about half a medium red onion)
- 2/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1-2 jalapeno(s), seeded and finely diced
- zest and juice of 1 lime
DIRECTIONS:
Toss all ingredients together until combined. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Watermelon and Feta Salad
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 small red onion , halved, thinly sliced
- 4 Tbs. fresh squeezed lime juice
- 3 1/2 pounds watermelon, cut from rind and seeded
- 10 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 1 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
- 3/4 cup pitted Kalamata or black olives
- Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Place onion in a small bowl. Add lime juice and allow to steep.
Cut watermelon into approximately 1 inch chunk pieces (1/4-inch thick). Cut feta into similarly sized pieces and place in a large, wide, shallow bowl with watermelon. Add chopped parsley and mint.
Add onion, along with juices, to salad bowl. Add oil and olives; then, using your hands, toss salad very gently so that feta and melon chunks don't lose their shape. Add fresh ground pepper to taste.
Watermelon Hemp Strawberry Smoothie
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed (black seeds removed)
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 ripe banana, previously peeled, chopped and frozen
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk or hemp milk
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 Tbsp hemp seeds
DIRECTIONS
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth, adding more almond milk to thin, or more frozen strawberries or ice to thicken.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime for acidity, banana for sweetness, or watermelon for a more intense watermelon flavor.
