❁ 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.
