Watermelons are 90% water, and most think of them as a refreshing, hydrating low-cal fruit. But, watermelons also provide a considerable amount of Vitamins A and C and come in second behind tomatoes for valuable lycopene.

While these days you can choose from conventional watermelons, mammoth seeded and thick-rind species, and compact ice box varieties  I admit I can't remember the last time I purchased a conventional watermelon. Yes, those large lugs perfume the air with nostalgia, but a compact watermelon that's been bred to have a thin rind, no seeds, and perfectly textured flesh ends up being cheaper and more convenient than the watermelons from my clouded childhood memories.

Regardless of the variety or type of watermelon, it should be stored in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days. Thoroughly wash the rind with soap and water before cutting. There's really no way to extend the joys of watermelon by freezing or drying like other fruit, but you can pickle the rind. Project Foodie has a few recipes to tempt you if desired.

So whether you grab the convenient and easy to handle compact variety, or stick to the old fashioned seeded type, watermelon provides a delicious and nutritious addition to your day. And as our palates evolve, so do watermelon recipes. Some of these watermelon picks dare you to think beyond the traditional way to serve watermelon, but they also allow you to add it to your diet in creative and new ways.

Watermelon Recipes: Salads | Soup | Main | Desserts

Salads

Watermelon Salad With Mint and Lime (Food & Wine, September, 2010) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:52 am spm said: A super easy and creative way to serve watermelon instead of simply cubing and serving from a large bowl. On July 1, 2011, 11:52 am spm said: A super easy and creative way to serve watermelon instead of simply cubing and serving from a large bowl.

Watermelon and Squid Salad (Food & Wine, June, 2011) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:42 am spm said: This recipe packs a fiery punch. Don't hesitate to cut back on either the jalapenos or red pepper. Doing so won't alter the overall outcome of the dish. On July 1, 2011, 11:42 am spm said: This recipe packs a fiery punch. Don't hesitate to cut back on either the jalapenos or red pepper. Doing so won't alter the overall outcome of the dish.

Soup

Watermelon Gazpacho (Martha Stewart Living, July, 2002) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:45 am spm said: There are definitely two camps with cold soups: you either love them or hate them. This is for those that are looking for new cold soup ideas. On July 1, 2011, 11:45 am spm said: There are definitely two camps with cold soups: you either love them or hate them. This is for those that are looking for new cold soup ideas.

Main

Watermelon Pork Tacos In Lettuce Shells (Food Network Magazine, November/December, 2008) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:50 am spm said: A great no-carb way to get your protein and fruit serving. On July 1, 2011, 11:50 am spm said: A great no-carb way to get your protein and fruit serving.

Grilled Shrimp, Orange, And Watermelon Salad With Peppered Peanuts In A Zesty Citrus Dressing (Food Network Challenge, Episode: Challenge: Southern Living Showdown, Season: 1) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:39 am spm said: This is the perfect meal-in-one salad that can accommodate a large gathering and will wow everyone. On July 1, 2011, 11:39 am spm said: This is the perfect meal-in-one salad that can accommodate a large gathering and will wow everyone.

Grilled Halloumi With Watermelon and Basil-Mint Oil (Bon Appétit, July, 2011) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:37 am spm said: Smoky grilled Halloumi cheese paired with sweet tomatoes, an herbal dressing, and succulent watermelon create a visual and mouthwatering masterpiece. Delicious! On July 1, 2011, 11:37 am spm said: Smoky grilled Halloumi cheese paired with sweet tomatoes, an herbal dressing, and succulent watermelon create a visual and mouthwatering masterpiece. Delicious!

Ginger-Soy Marinated Tuna Steaks with Sesame-Watermelon Relish (Cooking Light, August, 2007) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:34 am spm said: This recipes puts to use trendy Sriracha sauce. Though less colorful, don't hesitate to just use one type (color) of watermelon, if necessary. On July 1, 2011, 11:34 am spm said: This recipes puts to use trendy Sriracha sauce. Though less colorful, don't hesitate to just use one type (color) of watermelon, if necessary.

Flank Steak with Grilled Mango and Watermelon Chutney (Cooking Light, July, 2006) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:30 am spm said: Watermelon provides the necessary crunch for the mango in the chutney side. Consider serving the chutney with any grilled meat. On July 1, 2011, 11:30 am spm said: Watermelon provides the necessary crunch for the mango in the chutney side. Consider serving the chutney with any grilled meat.

Desserts

Watermelon Margarita Ice Pops (Gourmet, July, 2009) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:48 am spm said: For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the tequila with lemonade. On July 1, 2011, 11:48 am spm said: For a non-alcoholic alternative, replace the tequila with lemonade.

Watermelon Granita (Bon Appétit, June, 2011) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:47 am spm said: The addition of acid like lime juice brings out the sweetness of the watermelon. Simple and refreshing. On July 1, 2011, 11:47 am spm said: The addition of acid like lime juice brings out the sweetness of the watermelon. Simple and refreshing.

Watermelon Bellinis (Cooking Light, September, 2009) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On July 1, 2011, 11:44 am spm said: This is a great alternative to the more traditional peach-flavored Bellinis. Serve before an outdoor evening meal. On July 1, 2011, 11:44 am spm said: This is a great alternative to the more traditional peach-flavored Bellinis. Serve before an outdoor evening meal.

PermaLink

Spring and strawberries are synonymous. Perennial strawberries are one of the most anticipated fruits of the season as new life emerges after the cold winter months. It's unfortunate that such a healthy and delicious fruit has been linked to harmful pesticides. The reality is that consumers have backed growers into a corner. We want our strawberries to be tasty, unblemished, cheap, and consistently available. But that's not how nature intended them to grow. As a result, growers must rely on dangerous pesticides to placate the public.

Recent California legislation has replaced the fungicide methyl bromide with another fungicide, methyl iodide. It's been widely reported that for decades methyl bromide was routinely injected into the soil prior to planting strawberries and was successful at keeping plants free of pests and other natural inhibitors. When a report was released of the detrimental effects the chemical has on the ozone, farmers and regulators searched for a less environmentally harmful alternative. Methyl iodide was deemed a credible substitute, but scientists and those in the medical field quickly responded to the dangerous toxic effects that this pesticide has on those that ingest it and work with it. Since California grows most of the strawberries available nationwide, this isn't just a statewide issue, but a national one.

For me, I now make a concerted effort to avoid conventionally grown strawberries. I source organic strawberries as an alternative, but don't purchase them as frequently due to their higher price. Like many things in life, it comes down to finding a balance. Eating them less often means that when I do, I appreciate them more and don't let them sit around for very long. Growing them is another option to purchasing organic strawberries and is a viable one for those that have the space, equipment and time.

Strawberries are one of the healthiest low-calorie fruits available. A one-cup serving (about 8 medium-size berries) contains more that 160% of a person's daily dose of Vitamin C. To maximize the fruit's nutritional value, limit their cooking time, or use them fresh as much as possible.

Organic and homegrown strawberries break down rather quickly, even when refrigerated immediately, so plan accordingly if you are purchasing an entire flat. Pick out several recipes that sound interesting and stagger their use throughout the week in both savory and sweet dishes. There is no down side to incorporating strawberries into your meal plan, especially when they are in season and at their peak of flavor. Any of the recipes that I selected from the Project Foodie recipe collection would be a delicious way to serve this ultimate springtime berry.

Bread Basket and Breakfast

Strawberry Pancakes (Every Day with Rachael Ray, April, 2006) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:37 pm spm said: Strawberries in the batter up the strawberry flavor. Consider serving with shaved chocolate on top. On April 6, 2011, 12:37 pm spm said: Strawberries in the batter up the strawberry flavor. Consider serving with shaved chocolate on top.

Strawberry Streusel Muffins (Coastal Living, January, 2003) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:39 pm spm said: Anything with a streusel topping tastes better and these muffins are no exception. Great place to use up strawberries that are turning soft. On April 6, 2011, 12:39 pm spm said: Anything with a streusel topping tastes better and these muffins are no exception. Great place to use up strawberries that are turning soft.

Strawberry Bread (Everyday Food, July/August, 2004) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:32 pm spm said: Add a teaspoon of vanilla and nutmeg to enhance the flavor. On April 6, 2011, 12:32 pm spm said: Add a teaspoon of vanilla and nutmeg to enhance the flavor.

Salads and Main Dishes

Thai Shredded Chicken and Strawberry Salad (Sunset, June, 2010) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:46 pm spm said: Fresh mint and basil are essential to Thai cooking. The strawberries and sweetness of the herbs pair beautifully while the saltiness of the fish sauce adds another layer of flavor. On April 6, 2011, 12:46 pm spm said: Fresh mint and basil are essential to Thai cooking. The strawberries and sweetness of the herbs pair beautifully while the saltiness of the fish sauce adds another layer of flavor.

Chicken and Strawberries Over Mixed Greens (Cooking Light, May, 2001) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:16 pm spm said: Perfect for a light summer meal. Also a great recipe for using up leftover chicken from the night before or purchased cooked chicken. I'm not a raisin fan in my salads so I just omitted them. On April 6, 2011, 12:16 pm spm said: Perfect for a light summer meal. Also a great recipe for using up leftover chicken from the night before or purchased cooked chicken. I'm not a raisin fan in my salads so I just omitted them.

Chipotle Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Strawberry-Avocado Salsa (Cooking Light, May, 2007) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:18 pm spm said: Planning on making this for an upcoming party. The large serving is perfect for groups up to ten and comes together quickly with the prep work done ahead of time. On April 6, 2011, 12:18 pm spm said: Planning on making this for an upcoming party. The large serving is perfect for groups up to ten and comes together quickly with the prep work done ahead of time.

Pepper-crusted Steak With Strawberry Zinfandel Sauce and Orange-Mustard Aioli (The Next Food Network Star, Episode: Grammy Award Celebration, Season: 6) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:27 pm spm said: Strawberries, zinfandel, and steak-how can you go wrong. Only serves two but can be doubled. On April 6, 2011, 12:27 pm spm said: Strawberries, zinfandel, and steak-how can you go wrong. Only serves two but can be doubled.

Pork Chops With Balsamic Strawberry Salad And Pine Nut Orzo (Every Day with Rachael Ray, November, 2008) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:29 pm spm said: Great weeknight recipe that uses the conventional pork chop and glams it up with strawberries and prosciutto. On April 6, 2011, 12:29 pm spm said: Great weeknight recipe that uses the conventional pork chop and glams it up with strawberries and prosciutto.

Turkey Breast Fajitas with Strawberry-Jalapeño Salsa (Food & Wine, June, 2004) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:44 pm spm said: Purchase turkey breast cutlets to save time. Grilled corn kernels would also be delicious. On April 6, 2011, 12:44 pm spm said: Purchase turkey breast cutlets to save time. Grilled corn kernels would also be delicious.

Desserts

Double Strawberry-Banana Shake (Southern Living, August, 2001) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:19 pm spm said: This would also be great with another fruit flavored ice cream such as peach or just vanilla. On April 6, 2011, 12:19 pm spm said: This would also be great with another fruit flavored ice cream such as peach or just vanilla.

Grandma’s Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie (Food Network Challenge, Episode: Great American Pie Cook-Off, Season: 5) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:22 pm spm said: If you suspect that your strawberries aren't as sweet as they could be, taste the filling and add sugar if necessary. On April 6, 2011, 12:22 pm spm said: If you suspect that your strawberries aren't as sweet as they could be, taste the filling and add sugar if necessary.

Fresh Strawberry Sorbet with Shortbread Cookies (Bon Appétit, April, 2007) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:20 pm spm said: Simple and delicious. A tablespoon of orange liqueur would be great too. On April 6, 2011, 12:20 pm spm said: Simple and delicious. A tablespoon of orange liqueur would be great too.

Strawberry-Almond Smoothie (Food & Wine, December, 2008) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:42 pm spm said: Fun recipe to experiment with especially if you are already have almond milk in your refrigerator or pantry. Non-dairy and healthy. On April 6, 2011, 12:42 pm spm said: Fun recipe to experiment with especially if you are already have almond milk in your refrigerator or pantry. Non-dairy and healthy.

Strawberry Macarons (Washington Post, March, 2010) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:36 pm spm said: These trendy cookies are delicious and expensive. This recipe is great for those that are curious about them and want to give the recipe a try. Go for it. On April 6, 2011, 12:36 pm spm said: These trendy cookies are delicious and expensive. This recipe is great for those that are curious about them and want to give the recipe a try. Go for it.

Strawberry Coolers (EatingWell, June/July, 2005) A batch of this good-for-you refresher turns a lazy summer afternoon into a party, with appeal for thirsty kids of all ages. Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:32 pm spm said: Great warm-weather punch. Also a great way to use up excess strawberries. On April 6, 2011, 12:32 pm spm said: Great warm-weather punch. Also a great way to use up excess strawberries.

Mascarpone Tart with Strawberries (Sunset, June, 2005) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On April 6, 2011, 12:24 pm spm said: This is a show stopper dessert, but be careful when cutting. The filling is soft and the crust is dense. Don't skimp on the chill time. On April 6, 2011, 12:24 pm spm said: This is a show stopper dessert, but be careful when cutting. The filling is soft and the crust is dense. Don't skimp on the chill time.

PermaLink

Mandarin recipes to try: salads | mains | desserts

The amazing variety of mandarins available at the market today has reached distracting proportions. Just when you find your personal favorite, a new hybrid comes along promising to be even more flavorful. For almost a century, citrus breeders at University of California, Riverside, and other institutions in the citrus belt have been working on perfecting the mandarin and many of its offspring, including the sweet navel orange. The modern orange, actually, is a cross between a mandarin and a pommelo. And the crossover between mandarins and tangerines is very confusing. The easiest way to remember is: a tangerine is a mandarin, but not all mandarins are tangerines.

Mandarins originated in Southeast Asia centuries ago, and its tree and offspring have traveled the world since. Scientists love them because they can be successfully bred, which is why there are literally hundreds of varieties available. Industry marketers and distributors play up their "cuteness" factor and capitalize on the fruit's size and sweetness. Those in the citrus industry also keep scientists busy developing new breeds, especially hybrids that have extended seasons and can remain on the tree for longer periods of time.

Many of the most popular mandarins have trademark names such as "Cuties". Other popular varieties include Satsuma, Honey, and Royal. Tango is a new hybrid that's poised to capture the market and generate interest due to its flavor and juiciness. Some regions of the country carry one variety over another. Trust your farmer or produce vendor when shopping for varieties and don't be afraid to ask specifics like which are seedless or extra juicy.

For me, the best part of a mandarin is its fragrance. There is nothing like the flavor and smell of freshly zested mandarins. Their juice is also a special treat and can be described as floral and nicely balanced between sweet and tart.

Because mandarins are one of the most convenient fruits to eat on the go, they are often overlooked in the kitchen. Don't be surprised if canned mandarins come up when you search for recipes containing mandarins. Instead, use words like tangerine or specific varieties like Satsuma when searching and you will be surprised with the amount of creative recipes available.

It's easy to be swayed into purchasing mandarins in large netted bags and boxes. This is fine as long as they will be eaten within a few days. I prefer to hand-select all of my citrus, even tiny mandarins, because how they feel in your hand tells you a lot about their juice content. A heavy citrus will almost always guarantee a juicy citrus. Select mandarins that feel heavy in your hand. Gently squeeze the fruit to ensure that there aren't any soft spots or hollow pockets. Their skin should be firm and the fruit should be fragrant. Store in the refrigerator for up to a couple of weeks.

Enjoy the recipes below compiled from Project Foodie. They offer a wide variety of cooking options and incorporate all parts of this delicious and modern fruit.

Salads

Tangerine, Watercress And Blue Cheese Salad (Bon Appétit, April, 1995) Ingredients: finding recipe... finding ingredients... My Rating: 1 2 3 4 5 More Actions: add comment cancel add comment | view comment (1) close comment | cooking notes close notes | foodie tags close tags | share close share Edit Tags Rename Tag to My Notes: - Private info just for you! Add Comment: Comments: On February 1, 2011, 3:54 pm spm said: Not many recipes combine cheese and citrus. This one is bold and works. On February 1, 2011, 3:54 pm spm said: Not many recipes combine cheese and citrus. This one is bold and works.

Shaved Carrot, Fennel, And Tangerine Salad (Easy Entertaining With Michael Chiarello, Episode: Let The Sunshine In, Season: 3) Ingredients: