The Facts of Melons
In a single cup of cantaloupe there is over 108% of the daily value of Vitamin A and Vitamin C! It has a good source of potassium too. Watermelon also has substantial amount of Vitamin A and C, but not nearly as much cantaloupe. Honeydew has a significant amount of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Potassium. Vitamin A is essential for eye health. Vitamin C has numerous different roles it plays and is key in helping the body stay healthy. Adequate Vitamin C also helps better absorb other nutrients that are eaten in conjunction with it.
Melon is a fruit that is nutrient dense, fibrous, and high in its water content. Watermelons especially are mostly full of water, more than 90% water. This allows them to be very low in calories, makes for a great snack. Fruit is a simple sugar, also called fructose. Fructose, or fruit, is a great natural way to ease your sweet tooth and naturally sweeten meals or snacks. The best news is that MELONS ARE IN SEASON ALL OF JULY AND AUGUST here in Arizona, so eat up! 🙂 Read more about why Eating In Season is important here!
Eating fruits and vegetables from the entire color spectrum helps absorb a good balance of phytonutrients! This Melon Ball Salad is bright and full of different phytonutrients for your nutritional benefit!
Melon Ball Salad
Pairing the melon balls with fresh squeezed lime juice helps preserve it. Lime juice is a natural preservative that helps inhibit bacterial growth. Not to mention, lime juice is extremely fresh and its aromatic and internal properties help promote healthy immune function. Fresh mint leaves help soothe the digestive system and also add a different flavor profile to the dish. Cheers to summer and fresh sassy recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 Organic Seedless Watermelon
- 1 Organic Cantaloupe
- 1 Organic Honeydew Melon
- 2 Organic Limes
- 10-15 fresh Organic Mint Leaves
- Melon Baller
Instructions
- Half the melons
- Use both ends of the Melon Baller
to "ball" the melons and place in a large bowl
- Squeeze 1 1/2 -2 fresh limes over the melon balls
- Chop mint leaves and carefully stir in salad
- Store in fridge or freezer and enjoy!
References
Ezeigbo, O. R., Ekaiko, M. U., Agomo, N. G., Ojukwu, K., & Nnadozie, A. I. (2014, December 31). Antimicrobial Effect of Lime Juice Treatment on the Shelf-Life of Zobo Drink. Retrieved June 25, 2017, from http://www.sciencedomain.org/abstract/7585
Melons, cantaloupe, raw [includes USDA commodity food A415] Nutrition Facts & Calories. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2017, from http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1954/2
Melons, honeydew, raw Nutrition Facts & Calories. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2017, from http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1956/2
Watermelon, raw Nutrition Facts & Calories. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2017, from http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/2072/2
