I love watermelon. It’s one of my favorite fruits.

Watermelon makes a great snack that is:

• Simple

• Delicious

• Refreshing

• Hydrating

• Filling

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon also has some nice health benefits. For example, it:

• Provides vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and some B vitamins.

• Contains lycopene, which has been studied for its ability to protect against cancer, promote eye health (prevention of macular degeneration), and delay the onset/progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

• Contains citrulline, which helps lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and may also reduce muscle soreness.

• Contains anti-inflammatory antioxidants (lycopene and vitamin C), which are protective against inflammatory chronic diseases.

• Is low in calories (1 cup = about 46 calories). Yet with its fiber and water content, it helps you to feel full.

The BEST Tasting Watermelon

In my opinion, watermelon tastes best when it’s freshly-cut. As it sits, some of the water drains from it, and the texture becomes more soggy.

For this reason, I used to only cut up half of the watermelon at a time. But prepping is half of the battle when it comes to eating fresh fruits and vegetables! If I can knock out all the prep in one step, this is much more efficient (and I only have to deal with the mess once).

The Problem with Prepping Watermelon in Advance

As mentioned, once watermelon has been cut and sitting in a bowl for a few days is that the bottom pieces end up sitting in the water that drains from it, and these pieces take on a soggy texture.

Don’t get me wrong — it’s still good… just not as good, in my opinion. :)

A Great Idea

Recently in the mHp Facebook Group, watermelon was our “Plant of the Week” (POW). One member, Ann Marie, shared a great tip for storing watermelon.

Ann Marie placed a colander inside of a large bowl to separate the water from the watermelon. (Actually, I believe she used the inside portion of a salad spinner, which works similarly to a colander.)

I thought this was brilliant. Why had I never thought of this?!

I don’t know, but I’m glad I learned this trick!

Another Great Idea

The next day I was at my parents’ house for a family get-together. I shared the colander trick with my mom and sister. Then I learned that my sister has a similar trick!

Same principle, but instead of a colander, she uses a small plate, lying upside down in the bottom of the bowl. Like this:

As you can see, the water can drain down the side of the plate, into the bottom of the bowl, while the watermelon stays separated.

So There You Have It!

Not one, but two great options for storing watermelon, which will keep your watermelon tasting fresh, and without sogginess.

How About You?

Have you ever stored your watermelon like this? Or do you have another trick to share? I’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment!

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This post was originally published on 7/18/19.