Give Your Family More of the Good Stuff!

Watermelon Basics ycop $hop and $ave ontains l ene, wh Types of n c ich g elo ive < Choose a watermelon that is rm d is a powerful a s i te r an ntio t i uniform in shape and heavy for a olo xid ts Watermelon W c an ed ps keep you h t its size. The dark green skin r hel ea There are several hundred at lthy might have lighter green stripes. th ! varieties of watermelon. < Look for a c reamy yellow < Seeded watermelon are spot on the underside. It round to oblong and weigh becomes more yellow as the from 15 to 45 melon ripens. pounds. < Avoid melons with soft The flesh is spots, dents or cracks. generally red < Flesh of cut watermelon with black should look juicy and smooth. seeds. Melons cut into halves or < Seedless watermelon have quarters or containers of become the most common ready-to-eat cubed melon may type available. be available. These generally They weigh 10 cost a little more than whole to 25 pounds. melons. The flesh is < Watch for locally grown generally red but watermelon from July to yellow, orange and white are available. They may have soft, September. They might be About 3/4 of a whole watermelon cheaper, taste better and last edible white seed coats but is edible flesh. longer. rarely contain seeds. One pound = about 3 1/4 cups. < Mini or personal watermelon are usually seedless and weigh 1 to 7 pounds. They may Store Well have more flesh te L and less rind than Was ess larger watermelons. I Whole melons can be kept at room temperature for 7 to 10 days. I Wash under cool running water They ripen only slightly after before cutting. picking and begin to lose flavor I Cut watermelon can be kept in the and texture with longer storage. refrigerator for 3 or 4 days. Use a Refrigerate just before eating if covered container or cover the cut desired. surface with plastic wrap.

This material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. SNAP can help you buy nutritious foods for a better diet. To find out more, contact Oregon SafeNet at 211. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 2017 Oregon State University Extension Service offers educational programs, activities, and materials without discrimination based on age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status. Oregon State University Extension Service is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Enjoy Watermelon

Watermelon Salsa Watermelon with Lime Ingredients: watermelon and Chili Powder 2 cups , small cubes, seeds Ingredients: removed Go to watermelon ¼ cup sliced green onions FoodHero.org 2 cups cubed , seeds removed lime ¼ cup onion, finely chopped (try red or for easy, tasty ½ sweet onion) watermelon ¼ teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste) 1 Tablespoon vinegar recipes ¼ teaspoon salt (optional) 1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro Directions: ¼ teaspoon ground cumin 1. In a serving bowl, squeeze lime juice Directions: over watermelon cubes. 1. In a medium bowl, mix all of the 2. Sprinkle with chili powder and salt if ingredients. using. Enjoy! 2. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 3. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. Note: Notes: Serve with burritos, tacos, fish, Try with a mix of fruit and veggies grilled meat, fresh vegetables or baked such as other melons, pineapple, tortilla chips. cucumber, mango and more. Try lemon or lime juice instead of vinegar. Spice mixes are available that combine Try adding corn, chili peppers, or chopped lime and chili powder. avocado. Makes 2 cups Makes 2 cups Prep time: 5 to 10 minutes Prep time: 15 minutes

Watermelon Cooler Quick Fix: Ingredients: < Watermelon is a classic summer treat. 3 cups cubed watermelon, seeds removed Just slice into triangles and eat. ½ cup orange juice < Cut into bite-size pieces and add to fruit Directions: salads. 1. Place watermelon and juice in blender; < Freeze chunks of watermelon to use as blend until smooth. Serve immediately. edible ice cubes in water, lemonade or iced 2. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within tea. 2 hours. Makes 3 cups Prep time: 5 minutes When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to: < use a plastic knife or cookie cutter to cut watermelon into cubes or fun shapes. < measure ingredients. < fill a blender part way and be sure the lid is on tight.