Nothing beats a slice of ripe watermelon or cantaloupe on a hot day. In Florida, these juicy fruits are harvested from April through mid-July, making them the perfect addition to any picnic, beach day or backyard barbecue.
And if their delicious flavor isn’t reason enough to pick up some locally grown melons on your next trip to the farmers market, consider their many nutritional benefits. Both watermelons and cantaloupes are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, which protects the body against heart disease and some cancers, while cantaloupes are potassium powerhouses. Plus, the high water content in both fruits makes them an excellent choice for staying hydrated on hot summer days.
Bursting with fresh, seasonal flavor, the following melon recipes offer a few new ways to enjoy watermelons and cantaloupes this summer:
Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette
Start with the Quinoa Salad with Watermelon, Cucumber, Feta and Citrus Vinaigrette. Thanks to the protein-packed quinoa, this colorful salad is filling enough to enjoy as a flavorful entree for lunch or dinner.
