Amazing Nutritional and Beauty Benefits of Watermelon! Tips for Delicious Ways to Select and Store

Watermelon, a Symbol of Summer, is not Only Delicious but also a Nutritious and Beauty-Enhancing Food. With a Few Tips on How to Chill and Cut It, You Can Enjoy It Even More! In this post, we'll introduce the "beneficial nutrients" of watermelon, "delicious selection and serving tips," and "storage methods" in detail.

Nutrients in Watermelons | How to Choose a Good Watermelon | Delicious Ways to Eat Watermelon | How to Store Watermelons | The Bottom Line |

Nutrients in Watermelons

Watermelon contains many beneficial nutrients, such as beauty-enhancing and weight loss effects. The component "lycopene" found in tomatoes is also abundant in watermelon, with a content that is 1.5 times higher than that of tomatoes. Lycopene is a component that is drawing attention for its beauty-enhancing effects, as it removes active oxygen, prevents spots and wrinkles, among other benefits. In addition, it can be expected to lower blood sugar levels and prevent arteriosclerosis. Watermelon also contains a large amount of the carbohydrate-degrading enzyme called "mannosidase," which can contribute to weight loss effects.

Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon seeds and flesh contain a high amount of potassium, a component known for its diuretic and fatigue-recovery effects. As a fruit that can help replenish fluids and gently soothe a body exhausted from the summer heat, watermelon is effective against summer fatigue. Additionally, it can be expected to improve swelling. The watermelon rind, which many people discard without eating, contains a super amino acid called "citrulline" that has blood flow improvement and antioxidant effects. Since citrulline is a component that is hardly found in other fruits, those who are concerned about swelling should try to eat watermelon as much as possible.

How to choose a good watermelon

There are four points to consider when choosing a delicious watermelon. By paying attention to the sound, the texture of the skin, the pattern on the surface, and the shape of the stem, you can easily select a ripe and delicious watermelon. When you tap a watermelon, listen for a clear and ringing "bonbon" sound, indicating that it is fully ripe. If the sound is high-pitched and "ponpon", it is still immature. Conversely, if it sounds low and heavy, it may be too ripe. However, it can be difficult for a novice to make these judgments, and it is not recommended to tap on watermelons that are for sale, as it can be considered a breach of etiquette.

Another way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to check the indentation at the base of the stem. A fully ripe watermelon will have a slightly sunken stem, and the surrounding area will be slightly raised. Avoid selecting watermelons with round and flat stems, as this is a sign of immaturity. If there is a stem, choose one that is green and fresh, not withered or dried out.

The pattern on the surface of the watermelon is also an indicator of its ripeness. A ripe watermelon has a concentrated sweetness due to less water content, and the black pattern on the surface should be sunken. It can be difficult to judge this by appearance alone, but you can try gently stroking the surface to feel the pattern. A fresh and sweet watermelon also has a dark and distinct pattern, with a clear boundary between the black and green areas.

Finally, check the size of the watermelon's "belly button" to determine its ripeness. A small belly button may indicate immaturity, while a very large one could mean that it is too ripe. You can compare the size of the belly button of different watermelons to get an idea of their ripeness.

Delicious ways to eat watermelon

You can make watermelon even more delicious with a little ingenuity. For example, watermelons have the strongest sweetness in the center, so cutting them to ensure the middle is evenly distributed can make them more enjoyable to eat. In addition to this, there are other ways to enjoy watermelon more deliciously.

• Properly chilling watermelon

Watermelons taste even better when chilled just before eating. However, be careful not to chill them too much, as the sweetness may decrease. The ideal temperature for enjoying watermelon is around 8-10℃, and when chilling at home, using tap water is the best method. When using tap water to chill, cover the top half of the watermelon with a cloth and slowly pour water over it to chill it. Having a large bowl or pot can also help save water and make the process more efficient.

• Seedless cutting method

Do you find it troublesome to remove seeds when eating watermelon? By being mindful of the cutting method, it is possible to cut the watermelon in a way that results in almost no seeds. When cutting the watermelon in half horizontally, you can see where the seeds are located. Cut along these lines so that the seeds only end up on the outer edges.

• Using the often-discarded rind

Watermelon rinds are often too tough to eat and are discarded, but they can be delicious when pickled or shredded into a salad. Be sure to remove the outermost part of the rind, which has a pattern on it, and thinly slice the remaining rind.

How to Store Watermelons

One of the classic symbols of summer is watermelon, which can be enjoyed until the very end if stored properly. Watermelon is a fruit that is best kept at room temperature, as it can lose its sweetness if chilled too much. It is recommended to chill it just before eating by cutting it and then putting it in the refrigerator.

If the watermelon is not cut, it can be stored simply by placing it in a cool, well-ventilated area. It is important to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. Since watermelon is not a ripening fruit, the longer it is stored, the more the texture will deteriorate and the crunchiness will be lost. Although it can be stored at room temperature for a very long time, ranging from 2 weeks to a month, it is recommended to eat it as soon as possible.

If the watermelon has been cut, it will deteriorate faster than if it were whole, so it should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 days. When stored in a regular refrigerator, it can become dry and lose its flavor. To prevent this, wrap each slice in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its freshness.

Another option for storing excess watermelon is to freeze it and use it to make sorbet or smoothies. It can be frozen for 1-2 months. To do so, cut the watermelon into bite-sized pieces and remove the seeds. Place the pieces in a sealable freezer bag and sprinkle some sugar over them before freezing. When you want to eat them, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to enjoy them as sorbet or mix them with other fruits and carbonated water to make a fruit punch. This is a great way to enjoy watermelon in the summer. However, if it is thawed at room temperature for too long, it may become watery and lose its flavor, so be careful.

In summary, watermelon can be stored at room temperature if it is not cut, and should be chilled just before eating. If it is cut, it should be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen and used to make sorbet or smoothies. Enjoy the delicious taste of watermelon throughout the summer!

The Bottom Line

Watermelon is a delicious and healthy food that contains nutrients with beauty benefits. It is particularly beneficial for women, but eating too much of it can cool down the stomach and cause diarrhea. If you are prone to digestive issues, be mindful of your watermelon intake. Despite this, it is still a great summer fruit to enjoy in moderation. So, cut a slice, chill it, and savor the sweet and refreshing taste of this wonderful fruit while reaping its many health benefits!