By Sherrie Norris
Mark Twain had the right idea about many things, and in particular one of my favorite summer treats. He once stated, “When one has tasted watermelons, one knows what angels eat.” I have to believe that. And nothing says “summer” better than a big juicy watermelon. With its deep pink flesh, slick black seeds and thick green skin, the simple, sweet watermelon has been enjoyed for centuries around the world.
History tells us the first recorded harvesting of watermelon was about 5,000 years ago in Egypt, where watermelons were grown and regarded not only for their flavor, but for their beauty as well, and often depicted in early paintings.
From Egypt, watermelon’s popularity spread with traders who sold the seeds along Mediterranean routes as they made their way into Italy and Greece.
In later years, watermelon was remembered for its sugary flavor, which intensifies in hotter climates.
By the 13th century, the harvesting and eating of watermelon had spread into the rest of Europe. Apparently, the word “watermelon” first appeared in the English language at around 1615, according to John Marianis, who tell us in his book, “The Dictionary of American Food and Drink,” that watermelons have been cultivated for thousands of years.
Food historian John Egarton, relates in his book, “Southern Food,” that the United States acquired its love for watermelons from the African slaves who brought it along as they first made their way across the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to okra and sorghum.
- S. President Thomas Jefferson grew watermelons at his home in Monticello, and during the Civil War, the Confederate Army split watermelons and boiled them down as a sweetener for their food. Watermelons were also once referred to as “August hams” in the South.
Watermelon vines seem to have circled the globe from their origins thousands of years ago, and today remains one of the most delectable summer treats found anywhere.
Slice it, slurp it, eat it by the chunk — just make sure you get all you want while it’s available! For the best results when choosing a watermelon, look it over carefully, make sure it’s free of bruises, cuts and dents. It should be quite heavy, its underside bearing a slightly yellowish color, with the remaining rind a dark, shiny green.
Frozen Watermelon Cups
4 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
6 oz. can frozen fruit punch concentrate, thawed
2 cups lemon-lime soda
Place watermelon cubes in a blender and blend into a smooth puree. Pour into empty ice cream maker. Add punch and soda. Stir until well blended. Freeze for about 2 hours and stir vigorously. Continue to freeze until slushy consistency. Serve in paper cups.
Watermelon Fruit Shake
1 (8 oz.) container lemon yogurt
2 cups cubed, seeded watermelon
1 pint fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled
1 medium banana, peeled and sliced
In blender, process yogurt, watermelon, strawberries and banana until smooth and frothy. Serve immediately.
Watermelon Fruit Fantasy
1 watermelon
1 cantaloupe
2 bananas
1 can pineapple chunks
1 (12-oz.) bottle lemon-lime carbonated drink
Cut watermelon length-wise; scoop balls from center with melon scoop. Halve cantaloupe; remove seeds. Scoop balls from cantaloupe. Cut bananas into bite-size pieces. Drain pineapple chunks. Combine fruits in half the watermelon shell; toss lightly. Chill covered until ready to serve. Pour chilled lemon-lime drink over the fruit; serve immediately.
Watermelon Pops
4 cups watermelon cubes
4 small paper cups
4 popsicle sticks
Remove seeds from watermelon cubes and puree in blender. Pour into cups. Place sticks in cups and freeze until firm. To eat, tear paper cup from the frozen pop.
Watermelon Salad with Celery-Nut Dressing
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
1/3 cup heavy cream, whipped
1 1/3 cups celery, thinly diced
3 cups watermelon balls, chilled
Bright green lettuce leaves
½ cup pecans chopped
For dressing, beat cream cheese with mayonnaise until smooth and fluffy. Fold into whipped cream; add celery. Arrange watermelon on salad greens and top with celery-cheese dressing. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Watermelon Ice Cream Pie
1 cup watermelon
1 qt. vanilla ice cream, softened
9-inch graham cracker pie crust
Place watermelon in blender container. Cover. Blend on low speed 30 seconds. Swirl mixture through ice cream. Firmly pack ice cream into crust. Cover. Freeze several hours or until firm.