Sweet & Juicy Watermelon

ALL ABOUT MOUTHWATERING JUICY WATERMELONS

Welcome to the "Farm to Brooklyn" series from 3 Guys From Brooklyn, where we're all about delivering the freshest produce straight from the growers to our store in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Today we're taking a deep dive into one of the most refreshing and iconic summer fruits: watermelons. We'll tell you how to pick out the perfect ripe watermelon, share some fun ways to enjoy them, and even give you a recipe to try at home. So let's get started!

Watermelons are a type of fruit that comes from the cucurbit family, which also includes cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins. They are typically grown in warm weather climates, and are in season during the summer months. At their ripest, watermelons are known for being sweet, juicy, and refreshing, with a bright red, fleshy interior. The best way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to look for a few key indicators. First, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating that it's full of water. Secondly, look for a yellow or creamy spot on the bottom side of the watermelon - this is where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. If the spot is white or green, it's likely not yet ripe.

There are so many ways to enjoy watermelons - whether you're eating them straight off the rind or incorporating them into a recipe. Diced watermelon is a great addition to fruit salads, and watermelon juice can be a healthy and refreshing drink on a hot summer day. For a savory twist, try grilling watermelon and pairing it with feta cheese, mint, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and salty salad. Here's the recipe:

Grilled Watermelon and Feta Salad

1 small seedless watermelon, sliced into 1-inch rounds

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of the watermelon slices with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear. Transfer the watermelon to a platter, and crumble the feta cheese over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.

When it comes to cutting and storing your watermelon, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Use a sharp knife to slice off the top and bottom of the watermelon, so you have a stable base to work with. Then, slice off the rind, being careful not to remove too much of the flesh. Cut the watermelon into wedges or cubes as desired, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

That's all for our deep dive into watermelons, folks! We hope you learned a thing or two about how to pick out the perfect ripe watermelon, and some fun ways to enjoy them. Be sure to stop by 3 Guys From Brooklyn on the corner of 65th and Ft. Hamilton Parkway to grab your own sweet and juicy watermelon this summer. And stay tuned for more features on our in-season produce in the "Farm to Brooklyn" series. Happy eating!