Watermelon-Mint Crush- Beat the Heat!

Since its the first time I am blogging on the watermelon I thought of doing some research on this refreshing fruit. Was I in for a surprise with some of the facts I found!

Health Benefits

• Watermelon contains about 6% sugar and 92% water by weight, thus has an excellent capacity to rehydrate and gives a special cooling effect.
• It is packed with some of the most important antioxidants found in nature.
• Contains large amounts of beta-carotene (one can guess with the colour).
• The red flesh is a significant source of lycopene. This can help reduce the risk of prostrate cancer. Infact it is the only fruit that contains higher concentrations of lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable.
• It is rich in electrolytes sodium and potassium that we lose through our perspiration.
• Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production. Food experts recommend watermelon as a very good source of vitamin B6 and a good source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Because of its higher water content approximately ninety percent and calorie value it is ranked more valuable than other fruits. 

Did You Know?

• Watermelon rinds are also edible, and sometimes used as a vegetable. In China, they are stir-fried, stewed, or more often pickled. When stir-fried, the de-skinned and de-fruited rind is cooked with olive oil, garlic, chili peppers, scallions, sugar and rum. Pickled watermelon rind is also commonly consumed in the Southern US, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.
• In Japan, farmers of the Zentsuji region found a way to grow cubic watermelons, by growing the fruits in glass boxes and letting them naturally assume the shape of the receptacle. The square shape is designed to make the melons easier to stack and store, but the square watermelons are often more than double the price of normal ones. Pyramid shaped watermelons have also been developed and any polygonal shape may potentially also be used.
• There are more than 1200 varieties of watermelon ranging in size from less than a pound, to more than 200 pounds with flesh that is red, orange, yellow, or white.
• Yellow Crimson Watermelon has been described as "sweeter" and more "honey" flavoured than the more popular red flesh watermelon.

Watermelon-Mint Crush

Ingredients-
A sprig of mint leaves
Chilled watermelon cubes
2 ice cubes

Preparation-

• In a juicer, run the washed mint leaves, with a cube of ice.
• Add the deseeded watermelon cubes with another cube and juice.
• Serve chilled and Beat the Heat!