Watermelons are mostly water (about 92 percent) but this refreshing fruit is soaked with nutrients. Each juicy bite has significant levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, lots of lycopene, antioxidants and amino acids. There’s even a good amount of potassium. Plus, this quintessential summer snack is fat-free and very low in sodium. A ripe watermelon has a smooth hard rind that is usually green and the insides, the edible flesh, is usually bright pink with black brown seeds, but can also come in deep red, orange, yellow or white varieties.

To know when it is ready to cut open and eat (and unlock the health benefits of watermelon), look for a yellow or cream color on the bottom of the melon as opposed to bright white. Also, knock on the melon and pick up, feeling for it to be very heavy for its size and density. The heavier a watermelon feels, the better. This means all of its juices have been produced and it is ready to crack open.

Many people around the world love eating it simply on its own as a raw, refreshing snack or it can be added to many fruits, juices and salads to make delicious recipes. Try some of these four recipes below to start including watermelon in your diet more often.

Watermelon sherbet

Watermelon sherbet is a light, refreshing frozen treat that comes together with just fruit and yoghurt for a healthy summer snack or dessert.
You know that “ice cream” that you can make by pureeing frozen bananas in the food processor to a smooth and creamy consistency? That is essentially what you do here as well.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups of watermelon (remove the seeds)
• ½ cup vanilla yoghurt

Instructions:

• Cut watermelon into small cubes and freeze.
• Then, blend them up in a food processor with the vanilla yoghurt and wait for the frozen treat magic to materialize before your eyes.

This watermelon sherbet is fantastic if you eat it right after it is made, with a creamy texture akin to frozen yoghurt or soft ice cream. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can transfer it to a shallow container and freeze for a couple of hours until it is scoopable. But be forewarned that if you freeze for too long, your sherbet will harden into a solid mass which u might need to thaw it a little to enjoy it.

Watermelon lemonade

Watermelon lemon juice aka watermelon lemonade is super simple and great for hangouts, parties and large gatherings. It is very healthy and refreshing drink made with fresh watermelon and lemon. Switch from artificial, store brought juices to this all-natural, energizing drink.

What you need:

• 6 cups of watermelon, cut in cubes
• 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 mint leaves
• 3 cups crushed ice
• 4 cups of water
• ¼ cup of sugar (optional)

How to prepare:

• In a blender, add the watermelon cubes and blend it into a smooth puree.
• In a large container, add the watermelon puree, lemon juice, crushed ice, mint leaves, sugar and water and then, give it a gentle mix until the sugar dissolves completely
• Serve in tall glasses and garnish with watermelon or lemon slices if needed.

The mint leaves can be substituted for basil leaves since they both have extremely distinct and exciting flavors. This drink tastes great when it is served immediately so, keep this as a last preparation before your guest(s) arrives.

Creamy watermelon banana smoothie

Is there anything I love more than having banana in a smoothie? This amazing blend of strawberry and banana is great for breakfast or a light lunch drink. It is not super filling though so you could serve it as a side with a small bowl of oats or granola. It is really refreshing and the watermelon gets balanced nicely with some yoghurt and honey.

All you need:

• 3 cups watermelon
• ½ Greek yoghurt or plain yoghurt
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1-2 teaspoons chia or flax seeds (optional but I love them in for some nice texture and protein!)

To make this, add all the ingredients into your blender and blend up until it is a nice creamy texture and a bright pink color. Spoon your smoothie into a few glasses and top it with a little extra chia. This smoothie is just amazing to make and the flavors are really fresh. After all, who doesn’t love watermelon?

Watermelon strawberry Popsicle

These fresh, bright and healthy watermelon strawberry Popsicle are so easy, refreshing and such a great warm weather treat! They also naturally help balance your electrolytes. And guess what? They are 100% fruit which makes them a perfect choice for children when they are quite reluctant to take in fruits and vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of watermelon
• 1 cup of strawberries
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until completely smooth.
• Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze for 3-4 hours or until very solid.

You can adjust this recipe to the number of popsicles you need and this one makes for about 2 popsicles.

If you are not super into juices and smoothies, never fear! This is more like an ice pop. It freezes beautifully and the strawberries add just enough substance to give these a gorgeous texture. The lime juice adds an incredible little punch and the end result tastes so much more spectacular than you’d think three ingredients could possibly manage.

I hope you enjoyed these recipes. Feel free to change them up with another similar fruit of choice and let us what you think or how you went about it in the comments below.

Enjoy!