Watermelon is a staple here in Texas! Learn more about choosing, washing, and storing so you can enjoy all summer long!
Food Safety: How to Wash and Store Watermelon
Shrimp Tacos with Southwest Watermelon Salsa
Tacos are a favorite food staple in Texas, and this Shrimp Taco recipe is a great and easy twist for a quick summer dinner. The cooked shrimp is a great way to include seafood in your diet, while the Southwestern Watermelon Salsa provides a flavorful, refreshing, and low sodium alternative to traditional salsa. You can use whole wheat tortillas to include more whole grains to your meal.
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Tips & Tricks: How to Select the Perfect Melon
Thumping. Shaking. Lifting. You have probably seen people using these methods to select a watermelon, but do they really work? Following the steps below will help you choose a melon that is perfect!
Use your eyes.
Look the melon over before you select it. The melon should be firm and symmetrical. It should also be free from dents, bruises, or cuts.
Turn it over.
The main indicator of ripeness is found on the underside of the melon. The underside of the melon should have a creamy yellow spot. This indicates it has ripened in the field.
Use your muscles.
Lift the melon up. A great melon is heavy for its size. Avoid melons which are lightweight if they are larger varieties.
Know your melons.
There are over 1200 varieties of watermelons grown in 96 countries!
The most common types are:
- Seeded: The seeded watermelon is the most traditional watermelon and can weigh between 10 to 25 pounds!
- Seedless: Seedless watermelons are the result of hybridization.
- Some claim they have white seeds, but these “seeds” are really empty seed coats and are safe to eat! Personal: These tiny favorites usually weight 1 to 7 pounds and are perfect for those who don’t want to share!
- Yellow and Orange Meat: Most watermelons have red meat; however, there are yellow and orange meat varieties which are usually sweeter than the red!
Watermelon Cucumber Balsamic Salad
Looking for a great side dish? Check this refreshing salad out!
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Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed
- 2 cups cucumber cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion sliced
- 1/4 cup basil chopped
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 oounces Fat Free feta cheese crumbled
Servings:
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Instructions
- Mix together watermelon, cucumber, red onion and basil.
- Mix together olive oil and balsamic vinegar then pour over the watermelon mixture.
- Top with feta cheese and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Fresh Berry Caprese Salad
This simple yet fresh Berry Caprese Salad is a perfect salad for when strawberries and blueberries are in season. Can be eaten as a side dish or have grilled chicken added to it to make it a main dish. Enjoy one of our favorite summer inspired salads! 
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Cup fresh strawberries sliced
- 1 Cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 Cup fresh basil chopped
- 1 Cup fresh mozzarella cubed
- 1/4 Cup sliced almonds
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 6 Cup Spring Mix Salad
Servings: servings
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Instructions
- Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over low heat; cook 15 minutes or until reduced to a thick glaze. Allow to cool.
- Place strawberries, blueberries, mozzarella, almonds and basil on top of spring mix salad. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Recipe Notes
