Saying goodbye to summer doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to watermelon. And while nothing has been “normal” about this season, there is one thing that has helped me stay grounded: watermelon. Seriously. One bite and I’m right back to those carefree summers we all took for granted before the Pandemic.

But the truth is, different varieties of watermelons can be grown all year long, depending on where you live. And, are you ready for this? No matter where you reside, you can grow watermelon indoors! I happen to think eating watermelon is not only good for the soul, but it’s also excellent for your health. It certainly lowers my blood pressure! There are so many creative ways to incorporate this fruit into your menus – the options are endless. Here. you’ll also find three of my favorite, feel-good watermelon recipes, as well as some of its health benefits.

Goodbye Summer Shouldn’t Mean Goodbye Watermelon

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelons contain so many health benefits, being associated with everything from weight loss to erectile dysfunction and cancer. Some studies tout its abilities to lower blood pressure, alleviate muscle soreness, and protect against free radicals. According to one study, it can even help with weight loss goals. But this post isn’t about giving out medical advice, although I have included a link or two of medically reviewed studies. Instead, I’m sharing the most well-known benefits of summer’s favorite fruit and some yummy recipes.

It’s Hydrating

There’s a reason they call it watermelon – it’s 92% water. Hydration is so essential for our overall health and well-being, but many of us don’t drink enough H20. I know I don’t, and I’m always trying to find ways to sneak it in. Watermelon contains enough water content to fill the gaps to keep you well-hydrated on a hot summer day – or any day if you grow your own!

In fact, watermelon juice is rich in electrolytes, which can help prevent heatstroke.

It’s Loaded with Lycopene

Watermelon is rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that gives this fruit its bright red color. It’s anti-inflammatory and can even reduce your risk of heart disease.

Seedless varieties have even more lycopene. Get this – watermelon has more lycopene than tomatoes. Yet another reason to load up on this classic summer fruit.

It’s Chock Full of L-citrulline

L-citrulline converts in the body to L-arginine, an essential amino acid that helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation. Fun fact! Citrulline is the Latin word for watermelon.

It’s Great for Your Skin and Hair

Watermelon contains vitamins A and C. Both are stellar for your skin and hair. Vitamin A keeps your hair and skin moisturized while promoting collagen production. Vitamin C also promotes collagen growth to help you maintain that youthful glow.

A single cup of watermelon has about a quarter of your daily dose of Vitamin A.

Its Seeds are Rich in Protein

No, you shouldn’t eat watermelon seeds right out of the fruit, but when sprouted and processed, watermelon seeds can be a great source of protein. Companies like Awaken, by Cobionic, are now incorporating watermelon seeds into their formulas because of the high protein content and anti-inflammatory properties. Love that Awaken protein powder is plant-based. Take a peek at my review after you finish reading about my favorite watermelon recipes!

Watermelon Recipes to Brighten Your Last Days of Summer – and Every Season

There are so many delicious and healthy watermelon recipes that are perfect for summer and all year round, but I’m highlighting three favorites. One is the main course (some may want it as an appetizer), one a dessert, and one, of course, is a cocktail. Make all three for one meal, and it’s watermelon heaven.

Cocktail: Watermelon Chia Fresca from Jules Aron’s Zen and Tonic

Ever had a watermelon cocktail? Watermelon pairs with chia seeds (a superfood), hibiscus, and other refreshing flavors in this easy-to-mix drink from Consultant and Wellness Educator Jules Aron’s book Zen and Tonic. It’s the perfect complement to any summer meal and a hit at any gathering.

Watermelon Chia Fresca is a delicious blend of:

• Watermelon
• Chia seeds
• Vodka
• Basil leaves
• Hibiscus Syrup
• Lime juice

If you love fresh and fruity cocktails, you’ll love Zen and Tonic. Jules finds creative ways to put a boozy spin on green drinks. You’ll also find her recipe for Hibiscus Syrup in the book.

Main Course: Watermelon Salad with Feta from Love & Lemons

This watermelon salad from Love & Lemons is a winning combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. But you know what makes this recipe even better? It takes minutes to come together.

It’s summer. No one wants to cook on a hot stove. And who wants to spend hours making dinner? Not me! This salad can be whipped up in no time.

What I love most about this salad is that it has so many exciting flavors:

• Watermelon
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Fresh herbs
• Spicy pepper
• Feta

A tangy citrus dressing ties it together. Check out Love and Lemons recipe for the dressing and more deliciousness. Jeanine and Jack dish up amazing, plant-based recipes with fresh, wholesome ingredients that you certainly don’t have to be vegan to enjoy.

Dessert: 2-Ingredient Watermelon Gelato from Dreena Burton

You had me at “2-ingredient.” I love easy recipes that don’t skimp on flavor, and this dessert hits the spot. First, it’s not too sweet, and secondly, It has wholesome ingredients. It’s summer in a bowl.

This gelato is another recipe that comes together in minutes, like the salad. You don’t even have to pop it in the freezer if you don’t want to. It does require a little preparation, but nothing too crazy. If you like recipes created from whole foods with minimally processed ingredients, you need to check out Dreena Burton.

The Sweet Taste of Summer, All Year Long

And so, there you have it! Three delish summer watermelon recipes you can make all year long. Remember, saying good-bye to summer doesn’t mean that you have to say good-bye to watermelon because the benefits are fabulous – and you can grow them indoors! Luckily, we can enjoy this fruit (and a taste of summer) regularly.

Hope you enjoyed this post. If you did, I would so appreciate your sharing it with a friend or two.

This post contains affiliate links, but please know all opinions are my own. You’ll only find products here that I am familiar with and genuinely love.  All rights reserved.

*If you’re interested in trying Awaken use this link for better savings.

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You might also be interested in these posts:

• Best Keto Low Carb Guacamole
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• Espanita Tequila Cocktails

And now, I thought you might like to check out how some of my blogger friends are saying goodbye to the summer. Lots of creative ladies, here!

• Rebecca ryoureadytoorganize.com
• Lenysha fiftyfabandtraveling.com
• Rosemary distinctlysouthernstyle.com
• Heidi simplyoursociety.com
• D’Arcy dear-darcy.com
• Sherri awomanthing.live

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