Welcome to Tasty Tidbits, your go-to guide for making the most out of the fresh, local produce that you find at Alabama farmers markets! Brought to you by Live Well Alabama, each edition highlights a delicious fruit or vegetable, providing nutrition facts, simple storage and cooking tips, and new recipe ideas. Get ready to explore fresh flavors, boost your meals with nutritious ingredients, and enjoy the best of what Alabama’s farms have to offer.

Nutrition Nuggets 

• Watermelon is a low-calorie and low-sodium food.
• It contains lycopene, which supports heart health, and vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system.
• It is made of mostly water, making it a great hydrating snack.

How to Store 

• Store whole watermelons at room temperature for 7 to 10 days.
• Cut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days in a container or by covering the cut surface with plastic wrap.

How to Prepare 

• Wash and dry.
• May be sliced into triangles, cut into half circles or chunks, or scooped into melon balls.

How to Enjoy 

• Serve as a fresh snack.
• Enjoy added to smoothies or salsas, juiced into a refreshing beverage, frozen into ice cubes and added to water, or grilled for a savory treat.

Did You Know?

• Watermelon is 92 percent water.
• This summertime favorite also contains higher levels of lycopene than any other fruit or vegetable.

Recipes 

Watermelon Jalapeño Salsa

INGREDIENTS

• 3 cups watermelon, diced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh jalapeño, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine lime juice, cilantro, green onion, and jalapeño in a small glass bowl and stir to mix.

2. Add bell peppers and watermelon and stir gently.

3. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed
• 1/2 lime
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In a serving bowl, squeeze lime juice over watermelon cubes.

2. Sprinkle with chili powder and salt.

Watermelon Juice

INGREDIENTS

• 1 seedless watermelon

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop watermelon and place in a blender.

2. Blend watermelon well until juice is smooth.

3. Strain the juice to remove the pulp, if desired.

Learn More

For more Tasty Tidbits, visit www.LiveWellAlabama.com.

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