Shedding new light on watermelon

Always refrigerate watermelon after you slice it.

Say the word watermelon and images of lazy, hot summer afternoons and family picnics drift pleasantly through your mind. It is the quintessential summer food.

But if you thought watermelon could only be served cut in slices, chunks or scooped out in balls, think again.

There are more ways to enjoy watermelon than you can imagine, says Leslie Coleman, who works for the National Watermelon Promotion Board. It just takes a little imagination to think outside the rind.

There are great watermelon recipes for everything from watermelon soup to watermelon cupcakes. "Whatever your mood, there's a watermelon dish to serve it," says Coleman.

Have a child's birthday coming up? How about serving a watermelon "pizza," a dish that saves time and money and is a guaranteed kid pleaser. All you need is a watermelon, cut into a round pizza shape, strawberry jam, chocolate chips and shredded coconut. For an extra kick, add walnuts and raisins.

Watermelon kebabs are made by scooping out watermelon balls and skewering them on a stick with other yummy treats such as marshmallows and pineapple cubes. Or, add on cubes of cheese.

There are many unusual and scrumptious watermelon dishes that the adults in the house can enjoy, as well. Delight friends and family with an Asian twist of watermelon Pad Thai, or offer up grilled kielbasa with a hearty watermelon relish.

Summer may be watermelon season, but everyone will be surprised when they see all the eclectic ways this healthy and delicious food can be prepared.
Watermelon tips

• Look for a whole fruit that is not bruised or damaged; make sure fruit that has been precut is refrigerated. Do not purchase if it hasn't been refrigerated.

• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling fresh fruits and vegetables. Clean all surfaces and utensils with hot water and soap before and after preparation.

• Rub skin with a clean vegetable brush while rinsing. Dry with a clean cloth towel or paper towel.

• Keep fruit and cut fruit separated from raw meats and especially poultry in your cart, at the checkout counter and in your refrigerator. Do not use the same cutting boards and utensils without cleaning first.

• Toss any fruits or vegetables that have not been refrigerated within two hours of cutting and peeling or cooking. Remove and throw away all bruised and damaged portions of watermelons. Throw out any piece of watermelon that has touched raw meat, poultry or seafood.

• Always refrigerate watermelon after you have cut into it. Either place it in a covered container or cover the surface with plastic wrap.