Beverages- Watermelon

Staying hydrated and healthy is a big thing for us. Both of my boys (Adrian and Little Aiden) enjoy trying new beverages... so let's start with WATERMELON. This summer, we tried a variety of watermelon concoctions. Here are a few... and yes we can make most of them "adult".

Watermelon not only boosts your "health esteem," but it is has excellent levels of vitamins A and C and a good level of vitamin B6.

Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Vitamin B6 found in watermelon helps the immune system produce antibodies. Antibodies are needed to fight many diseases. Vitamin B6 helps maintain normal nerve function and form red blood cells. The body uses it to help break down proteins. The more protein you eat, the more vitamin B6 you need.

Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.

A two-cup serving of watermelon is also a source of potassium*, a mineral necessary for water balance and found inside of every cell. People with low potassium levels can experience muscle cramps.

(*A two-cup serving has less than 10 percent of the daily reference value for potassium)

Green Tea Punch

With a watermelon blended beverage there is no wasted watermelon, a less than perfect or over-ripe watermelon can be used and the watermelon flavor and texture is extended with inexpensive, natural ingredients. One watermelon can serve up to 3 dozen people! The watermelon-based beverage is nutritious, unique, delicious, filling, with no added sugar and incredibly refreshing!

A blend of watermelon, green tea and grape juice; add Chardonnay for the perfect adult party punch!

Ingredients

8 cups watermelon puree (medium seedless watermelon)

8 cups unsweetened green tea, chilled

4 cups purple grape juice

1 cup cherry juice (optional)

2 liter bottle of ginger ale

2 bottles Chardonnay (optional)

Instructions

Blend ingredients in a large beverage container and chill. Serve over ice.

Servings

Makes 36

Watermelon Kiwi Smoothie

Deliciously smooth for breakfast or a refreshing afternoon snack.

Ingredients

2 cups seedless watermelon chunks

2 pieces peeled and chopped kiwis

2 cups vanilla yogurt

1 cup ice

3 sprigs fresh mint for garnish

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into 2 glasses and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Servings

Makes 2 servings.

Kids Watermelon Grape Fizz

Ingredients

1 cup seedless watermelon puree

1/4 cup grape juice

3/4 cup sparkling water

Crushed ice to taste

Instructions

Mix together the watermelon puree and grape juice in an oversized tumbler. Add the sparkling water, then the ice, which causes a nice fizz. Serve immediately.

Servings

Makes 1 drink, so adjust measurements to suite your family.

               

Watermelon Popsicles 

Simple frozen fun.

Ingredients

1 watermelon

Chunks of fresh fruit (try grapes, strawberries, or kiwi fruit)

Instructions

Puree watermelon and pour into popsicle molds. Drop in chunks of fresh fruit, insert caps and place in freezer. Serve when frozen.

Servings

Servings vary

Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade

Ingredients

6 cups watermelon cubes (seeds removed)

1/4 cup raspberries

1 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice

Instructions

Place watermelon, raspberries and water in container of electric blender, cover and blend until smooth. Strain through fine mesh strainer into pitcher. Stir in sugar and lemon juice until sugar dissolves. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Servings

Makes 4 servings.

Come back tomorrow for more watermelon fun!

Credit goes to:NWPB