Do you enjoy the foods and flavors in every season? Have you ever noticed how even the colors and temperatures change? Fall foods like pumpkin and butternut squash warm us with burnt colors that resemble the changing leaves, and winter foods like pomegranate are jewel-like and festive. As we find ourselves mid-summer, we are probably looking for something cool and hydrating. So what does nature provide? An abundance of luscious and versatile melons!
Cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and the like are perfect for any summer occasion. From spicy salsas served on summer’s fresh caught fish, to minty popsicles sure to refresh; melons are a must on your summer palate. Not only are they delicious, they are nutritious! Melons pack a punch with vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants such as lycopene in watermelon and beta-carotene in cantaloupe. If you haven’t indulged yet this summer, be sure to stop by the next local farm stand you see, or make a grab on your next grocery run. You don’t want summer to fade away without joining the melon mania!
Try spicing it up or cooling it off with these recipe hits.
Fresh Melon Salsa Ingredients:
3 cups diced melon such as cantaloupe, honeydew and/or watermelon, seeds removed
1/4 cup minced red onion
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons minced jalapeño pepper
Combine all ingredients and serve.
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Mint Melon Pops
1 1/2 cups cantaloupe chunks
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 1/2 cups honeydew chunks
1 tablespoon limeade concentrate, thawed
2 mint leaves
1. In a blender, puree the cantaloupe and orange juice until smooth. Divide the mixture among the pop molds or paper cups. Freeze until the top becomes firm, 30 minutes.
2. Puree the honeydew, limeade, and mint. Remove the molds from freezer and top with the honeydew mixture. Cover and freeze until firm, 3 hours.
www.realsimple.com
