National Watermelon Day is celebrated on August 3rd, honoring this refreshing, hydrating fruit that is perfect for summer picnics and gatherings. With 92% of its content being water, watermelon is an ideal way to quench thirst during the hot months. Interestingly, the taste of wild watermelon can be quite bitter, but this guide shows that desert dwellers were likely the first to cultivate it. Artifacts like seeds and carvings found in Egyptian tombs further suggest watermelon’s historical significance.
In Dubai, Lina Al-Hourani gives us a peek into how watermelon has grown in significance over the years, including the fun tradition of watermelon-growing competitions, with the Guinness World Record holding a watermelon weighing a whopping 262 pounds!
How to Celebrate National Watermelon Day
There are many fun ways to celebrate this juicy day! Whether you visit a watermelon farm or buy one from a local market, here are some suggestions for making the most of National Watermelon Day:
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Host a Seed Spitting Contest
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Invent a New Watermelon Recipe
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Enjoy watermelon-flavored desserts or drinks
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Make Frozen Watermelon Treats
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Learn How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon
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Carve Watermelons, Just Like Pumpkins
Be sure to share your watermelon-inspired fun on social media using the hashtag #NationalWatermelonDay.
Delicious Watermelon Recipes to Try
Though the origins of National Watermelon Day remain unclear, here are some creative recipes to add even more joy to your celebration:
Watermelon Cocktail
This hydrating drink is packed with antioxidants that support heart and kidney health, boost the immune system, and enhance athletic performance.
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
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1 cup of watermelon juice
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¼ cup simple mint syrup
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Juice of 1 lemon
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4 frozen watermelon balls or 1 cup ice
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Lemon slices and fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
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Mash the watermelon cubes and strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
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Mix the watermelon juice with lemon juice and mint syrup, then add frozen watermelon balls (or ice) to each glass.
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Pour the mixture over the frozen balls and garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Watermelon Feta Salad
Packed with lycopene, watermelon protects the eyes from inflammation and oxidative damage, possibly helping prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed seedless watermelon
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2 cups blueberries
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⅔ cup feta cheese
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⅔ cup balsamic vinegar syrup
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⅛ cup fresh chopped mint leaves
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, mix the watermelon, blueberries, mint leaves, and feta cheese.
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Drizzle with balsamic vinegar syrup and toss gently. Garnish with additional fresh mint leaves.
Spicy Lemon Watermelon Popsicles
A fun and zesty treat made with only watermelon and a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
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6 cups cubed watermelon
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 lemon (juiced and zest)
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3 tablespoons kosher salt
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2 teaspoons chili powder
Instructions:
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Blend the watermelon, honey, and lemon juice until smooth.
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Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.
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In a small bowl, mix the salt, lemon zest, and chili powder.
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Once frozen, remove popsicles from molds and sprinkle with the chili-lime salt mixture before serving.
Pickled Watermelon
A unique and refreshing snack made from the white rind of the watermelon, pickled with a tangy, sweet brine, perfect for enjoying on a hot day!
Serves: 24 servings
Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients:
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1 cup pickling salt
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1 gallon water
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16 cups watermelon rind cubes (1-inch pieces)
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3 cinnamon sticks
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1 teaspoon whole allspice
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1 teaspoon whole cloves
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2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
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3 cups white sugar (or more, to taste)
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12 maraschino cherries (halved)
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1 lemon, thinly sliced
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6 canning jars (1 pint size) with lids and rings
Instructions:
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Dissolve the pickling salt in water and soak the watermelon rind for 12 hours. Rinse and drain well.
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Boil the watermelon rind in water for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tender. Drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan, mix vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, maraschino cherries, and lemon slices. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
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Add the rind back into the pot and simmer until the rind becomes translucent (about 5-10 minutes).
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Pack the hot mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving about ¼-inch of space at the top. Seal the jars.
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Boil the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Let them cool before storing in a cool, dark place.
Closing Thoughts
No matter how you choose to celebrate, National Watermelon Day is the perfect occasion to enjoy this hydrating, versatile fruit. Whether in drinks, salads, or frozen treats, watermelon is the perfect companion for a hot summer day. So grab a slice, try out these recipes, and enjoy the refreshing joy of watermelon! 🍉
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