Did you know that August 3rd is considered to be National Watermelon Day? Sounds like another great out-of-the-box idea to keep the kids busy on hot summer afternoon. Watermelon season is from May through September but late July to mid-August is the peak time for a juicy slice.
There are many health benefits to this cool, summer fruit as well and it’s on the Environmental Working Group’s Clean 15 list as produce you don’t need to buy organic.
- Vitamin A: Important for optimal eye health, can help prevent night-blindness, and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.
- Vitamin B6: Used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.
- Vitamin C: Can help to bolster the immune system’s defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.
- A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell.
For a cool treat, try this quick and easy recipe for Ice Pops courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board:
Watermelon Ice Pops & Cubes
- Ingredients:
- Watermelon
Chunks of fresh fruit – try grapes, strawberries, blueberries, anything! - Instructions:
- Have an adult puree the watermelon. Pour it into the popsicle molds and drop in your chunks of fresh fruit, and freeze!Or try watermelon ice cubes to add to your favorite juice or soda! Have an adult puree some seedless watermelon and pour into ice cube trays and freeze.
Our local Science Center is holding its first ever Wild Watermelon Day and The Fresh Market has been kind enough to donate watermelons for both the animals and visitors. Anything going on in your area? I’m curious to know.
