watermelon

❁ Watermelon is a classic summer treat. Just slice into triangles and eat.

❁ Cut into bite-size pieces and add to fruit salads.

❁ Freeze chunks of watermelon to use as edible ice cubes in water, lemonade or iced tea.

■ Whole melons can be kept at room temperature for 7 to 10 days. They ripen only slightly after picking and begin to lose flavor and texture with longer storage. Refrigerate just before eating if desired.

■ Wash under cool running water before cutting.

There are several hundred varieties of watermelon.

❁ Seeded watermelon are round to oblong and weigh from 15 to 45 pounds. The flesh is generally red with black seeds.

❁ Choose a watermelon that is uniform in shape and heavy for its size. The dark green skin might have lighter green stripes.

❁ Look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside. It becomes more yellow as the melon ripens.

❁ Avoid melons with soft spots, dents or cracks.