International watermelon day

Watermelon is the symbol of summer. This juicy and refreshing fruit truly deserves its special day. That’s why Americans, who statistically eat more watermelons than anyone else, decided to celebrate National Watermelon Day on August 3rd.

Each year, more and more people join in on this unusual and delicious holiday. On this day, various contests are held, like who can spit watermelon seeds the farthest or who can eat the most slices in one go. Watermelon carving contests are also popular, showcasing artistic skills.

Did you know that watermelon is almost 92% water? So, it’s no surprise that it’s so refreshing.

Photo: Unsplash, Daniel Dan

As far back as the 2nd millennium BCE, watermelons were cultivated in Ancient Egypt. Seeds have even been found in pharaohs’ tombs. Uzbek watermelons and melons, grown in sun-soaked fields, are famous in many countries.

Everyone has their favorite way of eating watermelon. For example, you can chill the watermelon beforehand, cut it in half, and eat it with spoons—a method particularly popular among children.

Photo: Unsplash

But if you’re tired of eating watermelon the usual way, we suggest trying one of these refreshing recipes.

Watermelon lemonade

Ingredients:

• 1 kg watermelon
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 50g sugar
• 1 cup water
• Mint for garnish
• Watermelon slices for garnish
• Ice

Photo: Unsplash, Yulia Khlebnikova

Preparation:

Peel the watermelon and remove the seeds. Grate the peel of well-washed and dried lemons on a coarse grater. Then, squeeze the juice from the lemons and mix it with a cup of cold water, then blend everything together. Strain the mixture through a sieve and chill in the refrigerator. Serve with ice and garnish with watermelon slices.

Watermelon ice cream

Ingredients:

• 1 kg watermelon
• 150 g sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Photo: IStock

Preparation:

Peel and seed the watermelon, then cut it into pieces. Blend the watermelon with the condensed milk and lemon juice. Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for 5 hours. To easily remove the ice cream, dip the molds in hot water for a few seconds.

Watermelon Sorbet

Ingredients:

• 5–1.6 kg sweet watermelon
• 2 limes
• 4 sprigs of mint

Photo: Pixabay

Preparation:

Wash the limes. Grate the zest from the limes using a fine grater, then squeeze the juice. Remove the stems from the mint.

Peel and seed the watermelon, then place the flesh in a blender with the mint leaves. Blend until smooth.

Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for about 4 hours, stirring with a blender every 15–20 minutes to achieve a smooth texture without ice crystals.

Watermelon and feta salad  

 Ingredients:

• 300 g watermelon
• 100 g feta
• 2 sprigs of mint
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Photo: IStock

Preparation:

Cut the watermelon and feta into medium-sized cubes. Tear the mint leaves. Combine the watermelon, feta, and mint in a salad bowl. Dress with olive oil, and wine vinegar, and season to taste.

Watermelon and blueberry salad with fun shapes that can be made together with children

Ingredients:

• 300 g watermelon
• 150 g blueberry
• 2 sprigs of mint
• Honey
• Juice of lemon

Photo: IStock

Preparation:

This salad is perfect to make with children. Wash and seed the watermelon. Use cookie cutters to cut out fun shapes from the watermelon. Add blueberries or any other berries you like. Mix the mint with lemon juice and honey, drizzle the salad with this dressing, and enjoy!