The recent issue of Vegetarian Journal features quick and easy suggestions for preparing dishes containing watermelon. Chef Nancy Berkoff starts off by stating, “Watermelon isn’t just a juicy warm-weather treat. This fruit contains potassium and vitamins A and C. Humans have been feasting on watermelon for centuries. Although native to Africa, watermelons have been known in India since prehistoric times. The first recorded watermelon harvest took place 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Pictures of the fruit were found in paintings on the walls of ancient buildings.

We never get much beyond slicing watermelon and offering it as a terrific accompaniment to summer meals. Watermelon is a “total utilization” fruit, though. You can use the interior, the juice, the seeds, and the rind! It is perfect with sweet (cereal, vegan yogurt, baked goods) or savory (grilled veggie dogs or burgers, pasta salad) foods.”

Some of Nancy’s suggestions include: To go savory with your watermelon, you can use watermelon cubes to “tame the heat” in curries and chilies, in veggie salad with onions and garlic, and in stir-fries or sautés (add small watermelon cubes at the last minute), or use as a garnish. Try a “watermelon steak” (a thick slice of watermelon, rind removed) topped with slices of ripe avocado and shredded jicama, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. If you would like to get adventurous, do some web searches for a watermelon curry recipe, popular in Caribbean and South Asian cuisine.

You can read the entire column here: https://www.vrg.org/journal/vj2019issue2/2019_issue2_bonjour_vegan.php

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