Oh the glory days of summer! Vine-ripened, homegrown watermelon is one of the greatest pleasures of earthly existence. While most are familiar with crimson red flesh and bright green rinds, watermelon actually come in a wide range of colors and sizes. A simple slice will suit most, but for those looking for new preparations, try it with salt and chili powder, a common street food in Latin America, preserved as jam for the winter, or a jar of pickled rinds to go with a bit of ham. And, while everyone has their own method to check for ripeness, an old method is to harvest when the tendril opposite the fruit stem had dried up.
Nutrients: vitamins A and C (very high) B6, thiamin, pantothenic acid, potassium, magnesium, copper, phosphorous.
Companions: Potatoes, Lambs Quarters. Antagonists: none known.
