Is there anything that screams “summer” more than slicing open a fresh watermelon? For me, there is nothing better than biting into a cold piece of that juicy red melon on a hot summer day. With over 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown worldwide, it’s impossible to not find one you love!

Watermelon’s flavor is indeed amazing — sweet, while simultaneously intense and subtle, yet a little sour. It is also a flavor that is immediately identifiable and makes most people think of summer. A simple “watermelon” hashtag search on Instagram will throw up over 6 million photos of a variety of different ways people lean into the summer with this ripe fruit. According to our research, watermelon is on 13% of US menus with a 26% growth in the last 4 years. 80% of consumers like or love them and I am definitely one of those consumers!

MY WATERMELON REVELATION

As I’ve written before, I am a world-renowned picky eater- especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. I never wanted to try watermelons because the seeds inside freaked me out. Of course, I loved watermelon Jolly Ranchers, Jelly Beans, and Kool-Aid, but that’s not exactly the same thing. It wasn’t until my wife suggested that I try a new fruit and vegetable every week, that I pushed the limits and bit into my first piece of watermelon.

Wow! How foolish did I feel missing out on this delicious treat! Not only are they sweet and filling, but my wife claims they’re the ideal health food. Watermelon does not contain any fat or cholesterol, it is high in fiber and vitamins A and C, and it’s a good source of potassium. Watermelons have the ability to quench your thirst. It can also quench inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. However, my favorite fact about Watermelon is that they are 92% water, and since water is tasteless, you only ever taste 8% of a watermelon.

THE SUMMER TREND

Watermelon is a very trendy flavor. This year we’ve seen them included in some wonderful food and beverages. Sun Maid Sour Raisin Snacks with Watermelon has been my favorite. We also saw LesserEvil Organic Popcorn Watermelon Hibiscus, Ice Breakers Kiwi Watermelon, Fifty West Quencher Ale with Watermelon Lime, and Solero Organic Watermelon Crushed Fruit Bars.

Forget that it’s available all year long, in the summertime watermelon really comes into its own. A summer without watermelon is like a summer without pool parties and trips to the beach and backyard barbecues. So what better way to kick off the season than with this fresh fruit!! Pass me the watermelon, please!