So, while we're still in the swing of summer, here's the low down on the real way to tell which watermelon you want.
Health Fact: First of all, you should know that watermelon is one of the best sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that's been linked to a reduced risk of prostate cancer and heart disease. It also provides plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium and fiber. And one cup contains just 40 calories.
Choose right: Picking a ripe watermelon is key since they don't continue to ripen much after harvesting. But, selecting one that's perfectly ripe is easy if you use this two-step approach:
- Lift it up. If it's ripe, it should feel heavy for its size.
- Turn it over. On the underbelly you should see a creamy yellow splotch. If the splotch is white or green, the watermelon was harvested too soon.
Other than that, just look for a melon that's free from bruises and cuts and like cantaloupe, give it a thorough wash before slicing. It's best to store a ripe watermelon at room temperature -- it'll keep for up to 10 days, but once it's sliced, leftovers (if there are any) should be refrigerated.
Tune in tomorrow for how to pick the right cherries!
More ways to enjoy fruit:
Budget Organic: Wallet-friendly fruit & veggie picks
Healthiest new foods -- that count as fruit servings!
High-fiber, disease-fighting fruits
