That's Fit

Each week, we'll be offering original recipes and unique ways to use those Super Foods that pack nutritional power. After all, you are what you eat -- make it count!

Watermelon conjures images of summers past . . . the juice dripping down my chin, watermelon seed spitting contests with my siblings and the ever-present watermelon poolside, next to the corn on the cob on my plate and served by the giant slice for dessert.

This trip down memory lane rejuvenates my fondness for watermelon, but did you know that it is nutritious, too?

Fellow blogger Bethany writes about room temperature watermelon having more antioxidants than refrigerated melon. WebMD tells us of watermelon's high lycopene content, that watermelons are ninety-two percent water and that they are actually not a fruit at all, but a vegetable.

As if that is not enough, how about the high content of vitamins C ad A? Seems to me we should all be eating lots of watermelon.
Sure, watermelon is delicious enough to slurp down a fresh slice, or add it to a mixed fruit salad. But if you want to get creative with watermelon so you can add more to your diet and not get bored, here are some recipes that will keep your mouth asking for more.

South-of-the-Border Watermelon Walla-Walla Sweet Onion Salsa -- watermelon, onions, black beans and more

Roasted Pork Loin and Watermelon Sandwich with Honey Mustard -- complete with baby greens and chili powder

Grilled Scallop and Watermelon Kebabs -- soy sauce, ginger and sesame add an Asian flair

Maple Citrus Watermelon Glazed Chicken -- sweet, but lemon, ginger, cinnamon and garlic add some zing

Shredded Carrots with Watermelon and Pistachios -- side dish with gourmet appeal

Need more ideas about how to enjoy watermelon? How about pureed with other melon and swirled with plain yogurt for a cold melon soup? Or, you could puree watermelon and freeze into watermelon-sicles. The National Watermelon Promotion Board has many delicious and unique watermelon recipes.

Aside from the fresh cut slurp, what is your favorite way to eat watermelon?