What To Do With Leftover Watermelon 🍉
Table of Contents
The Health Benefits of Watermelon
Juicy watermelon, with its vibrant pink flesh and refreshing taste, is not only a summer favourite in our house but also a nutritional powerhouse, especially for children. Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, watermelon offers an array of health benefits that contribute positively to a child's development and well-being. Perfect for fruit salads.
First and foremost, watermelon is an excellent source of hydration for kids. With its high water content, almost 92%, it helps keep children hydrated, especially during hot summer months or after physical activities. Staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy body temperature, supporting digestion, and preventing fatigue in children.
Another significant health benefit of watermelon is its rich content of vitamins and minerals. This juicy fruit is a fantastic source of vitamin C, which plays a vital role in strengthening a child's immune system, fighting off illnesses, and promoting quicker recovery.
Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports healthy vision, bone growth, and immune function in children. Additionally, watermelon is a good source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for the fruit's vibrant red colour. Lycopene has been associated with a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, and breast cancers. Including watermelon in a child's diet may contribute to long-term health benefits and provide protective effects against these diseases later in life.
Watermelon puree is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal go-to snack for children during the summer season. Its natural sweetness satisfies a child's sweet tooth without relying on sugary snacks, providing a healthier alternative for a satisfying treat.
The fibre content in watermelon promotes optimal digestion and reduces the risk of constipation, ensuring a healthy digestive system for children. So, watermelon is not just a summer staple, but is also an excellent addition to a child's diet due to its numerous health benefits. From keeping children hydrated to providing essential vitamins and minerals, watermelon supports their growth, development, and overall well-being.
How do you know if watermelon is bad
To determine if a watermelon has gone bad, examine its exterior for signs of spoilage, such as a dull sheen, excessive bruises, or soft spots. A fresh watermelon should have a firm texture and a vibrant colour. When you tap the surface, a ripe melon produces a deep, hollow sound; if the sound is less resonant or muted, it may indicate overripeness.
Check for an unpleasant or sour odour, especially near the stem end, which can signal fermentation. Once cut, the flesh should be juicy and bright pink or red; any discolouration or mushiness is a sign that the fruit is past its prime.
Best first foods for BLW
I never liked watermelon as a child! But as I got older I found a love for watermelon when I went on holiday.
It reminds me of a holiday so much! So when it is sunny and hot in the UK I love buying watermelon and enjoying it ice cold!
When I introduced watermelon to my son, I watched to see if he would like it or reject it! I was soo pleased that he loved eating it! I don’t buy it too often as it feels like it is never sunny! But at the moment it is June and we are currently experiencing a heatwave so watermelon is on the menu!
I have created a really simple recipe using 2 simple ingredients that with a little bit of planning ahead will be a delicious snack or dessert for your little ones, and of course for yourselves!
You will also need a food blender or Nutri bullet or something like that for this watermelon recipe, you will not need a commercial slush machine so win win! If you do not own one of these, you could let the watermelon thaw for 10 minutes or so and crush using a fork or masher! Obviously you will get better results with a blender but It can be done with a fork, you will just have bigger chunks!
So, make sure to introduce this delicious and nutritious fruit to your child's diet for a cool and healthy treat on hot summer days like these.
I really hope you try this easy recipe, and I’d love to know what you think in the comments!
Ingredient information
Watermelon chunks - Fresh fruit is amazing for hydration! Watermelon will really support your little ones getting some extra fluids in them especially in this hot weather at the moment! This is why this may be a healthier choice than an ice lolly!
Fresh lime juice - In my opinion a splash of lime juice works perfectly with watermelon! They complement each other so well I had to pair them up in this simple recipe! You could use a bit of lemon juice too if you prefer. Any splash of citrus juice would be great!
Serving suggestion
If you wanted to make this more of a drink rather than a snack, you could serve this with a dollop of full fat plain Greek yogurt, mixed with some lime juice and a handful of fresh mint leaves some extra ice cubes and blitz to make a no added sugar watermelon smoothie. You could add a touch of agave for babies 12 months and older. Or you could freeze this mixture to make a watermelon sorbet, a delightful sorbet idea.
Next time you could also make a zesty salsa, using the excess watermelon with mint and peach.
Or this is perfectly ok to serve on its own, it is delicious served to your little ones instead of an ice cream of ice lolly! The frosted fruit pieces are a perfect snack as well, perfect for the next day too!
Other similar recipes you may like: Yogurt bark, Milk lollies or Strawberry dessert.
Storage instructions
No surprise that this recipe can be frozen which is the best part.
I store the watermelon pieces in a ziploc bag or plastic bag that seals shut or an airtight container or plastic wrap! I then have the frozen pieces of fruit ready to go at any time!
They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months which is the perfect time, if your watermelon was ripe and in date at the time of freezing.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.
Airtight container - I love the non-stick surface of this particular frying pan and it’s suitable for all types of hob.
Recipe | What To Do With Leftover Watermelon 🍉
What To Do With Leftover Watermelon 🍉
Ingredients
Instructions
- Assemble the watermelon cubes, and cut some into triangles to make watermelon slices if you like.
- Place in the freezer to freeze overnight.
- Once frozen, blend the chunks of watermelon in a food processor or nutri bullet with the lime juice. Keeping some of the remaining watermelon pieces aside.
- Serve the slush into bowls, keep the pieces for teething gums, or as a frosty juicy snack!
- Hope you and your family enjoy!
Notes
Other fruits this would work for is raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, peaches, other melon varieties! A great way to serve fruit to your baby.
You could use most fruit options to freeze and serve in delicious ways, just be mindful of how you cut and serve the fruit to your baby.
©The Petit Spoon
Content and photographs are copyright protected and need prior permission to use elsewhere. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to other websites and any social media is strictly prohibited. Sharing and using the link of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated! Share this post now!
