Michigan Watermelon: 9 Ways to Go Beyond the Wedge
2 min read
When you think of your favorite things about summer, it’s almost impossible not to have watermelon high up on your list. The delicious fruit isn’t just refreshing and low in calories, it’s also full of vitamins A, B6 and C as well as lycopene. And best of all, it’s in season in Michigan right now!
Most people enjoy a simple wedge of watermelon as a snack or side, but there are lots of other ways to enjoy this hydrating fruit. Here are some of our favorites:
- Grilled: Grilled fruit creates a delicious, healthy dessert. Toast up your watermelon and top with fresh herbs, honey or balsamic vinegar.
- Juiced: Put fresh watermelon in a juicer (or press it by hand) for a delicious refreshing blend. Many recipes also incorporate other fresh ingredients like strawberries and lime for more complex flavors.
- Frozen: Freezing watermelon right on a stick makes for delicious popsicles or you can make simple sorbets and smoothies. The possibilities are endless.
- As a sauce: Instead of enjoying watermelon alongside your burger or BBQ, enjoy it on top of the meat in this spicy sauce!
- Preserved: Watermelon jelly is the ultimate toast topping that will add a tropical vibe to your breakfast, even in the middle of winter. All you’ll need is watermelon juice, lemon juice, a little sugar and liquid pectin.
- As a soup: On the hottest of days, dinner should be described in two words: watermelon gazpacho.
- Made into jerky: Did you know you can dehydrate more than meat? Try making it yourself if you have a dehydrator.
- With cheese: Try topping cubed watermelon with goat cheese or adding it as a garnish to some feta balsamic bruschetta. The creamy and salty flavors complement fresh melon perfectly.
- As a pie: For some reason, watermelon rarely gets featured in a fruit pie. Now it can. Low-fat whipped cream, graham crackers, fresh watermelon and gelatin are all you need for a refreshing and creamy summer watermelon pie.
Want to see more ways to spruce up your favorite Michigan produce? Keep reading:
Photo credit: Tenaya Darlington
