There's nothing like the proper heat of Summer - a sensation we crave all year round but when it comes, leaves us sweaty, thirsty and desperate for shade! Thank goodness for some authentic Summer saviours such watermelon and mint, which blended together with ice makes for the ultimate Summer cooler.
As the name suggests, watermelons do indeed have a high water content - making them an excellent re-hydrator, particularly for kids, who can pick up a slice and demolish it in seconds.Then there's a nice dose of vitamin C, some B vitamins and a useful helping of anti-oxidants. They are also great for the kidneys and have long been used by naturopaths as part of cleansing fasts. You can even boil up the seeds to make a natural remedy for kidney and bladder problems.
Although watermelon has naturally low Glycemic Load, leave some of the seeds in for an extra protein boost and gently tear the mint leaves to release their oil.
And try this amazing salad:
Watermelon, Mint, Feta and Black Olive Salad
Ingredients:
1.5 k fresh water melon, cubed
1 red onion
1 cup of pitted back olives
4 fresh limes, juiced
4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
2/3 pack of feta cheese, cubed
a small bunch of mint, roughly torn
a small bunch of parsley, roughly torn
Slice the red onion and steep in lime juice for about 10 minutes until they have released their bitterness and pickled slightly. Gently combine the watermelon and feta cubes, torn leaves, olive oil and olives with a grind or 2 of black peppers and then gently toss with the onions and juice.
This salad is a serious winner on all fronts.. in fact i'm going to make some now!