Watermelon: How Mom’s Favorite Fruit Became My Own

By Jessica Rogers May 23, 2023 26 mins read 74 Views

At Belovedsaffron.com, we are passionate about spices, herbs, recipes and organic eating. It is our mission to bring awareness of flavors from around the world and provide access to a full range of spices, herbs and organic food from sustainable farming. I am particularly excited to share my love of saffron with others and help bring the joy of cooking into people's lives.

But it is not simply about providing delicious recipes for saffron dishes – it is also about promoting sustainable eating that respects those from all different cultural backgrounds who dedicate their lives to serving fantastic meals in both family homes and 5-star restaurants across the globe.

If you have a special recipe or would like to contribute an article to our blog section, please reach out as we would love to hear from you at [email protected]. We believe everyone has something extraordinary to offer their taste buds!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ...

Written by: Amanda Csolak - Spice Blogger for Spice Station Silverlake

In the United States, kids are most excited about Summer break because they will be out of school. When I was growing, I missed going to school. What can I tell you, I was a great student. When the final bell announced the start of summer break, I was always looking forward to the opportunity to eat the first watermelon.

My Mom and Watermelon

Watermelon is something I've always enjoyed. My childhood was filled with sweet, juicy watermelon. When I was a teenager, I began to wonder why watermelon was so appealing. I asked my mother about it, and she gave me a surprising answer.

She loved it too when she was expecting me in the summer heat. While I was growing in her womb, watermelon was her favorite fruit. She ate as much of it as she could and I, as a fetus, fell in love with the delicious fruit.

Your Favorite Foods, and How they Become Your Baby's Favorites

Let's dive into the science behind how my mother ate a fruit while she was pregnant with me and it became one of my favorite fruits.

Everything a pregnant woman eats is nourishment for the growing baby. The amniotic liquid, the fluid that the baby swallows to get its first taste, is what carries the flavor of the food.

Breastfed babies continue to get these flavors in their breast milk after birth. Researchers have studied the relationship between mother and child and the effect of what mom eats on the child's taste and acceptability when they transition from breast milk to solid food.

The History of the Watermelon

Many Americans, including myself, enjoy eating watermelon during the summer season. Watermelon harvests are worth more than $500,000,000 dollars each year. Georgia is the leading watermelon-producing state in the United States. China is the world leader in watermelon production.

You may be surprised to learn the origins behind the watermelon. About 5,000 years ago, Egypt domesticated this popular fruit as both a food and water source. Around 2,000 years ago in the Mediterranean, watermelons were first domesticated as sweet desserts. They are the ancestors of the watermelons that we see at our local farmer's market stands today.

Watermelon is grown in over 1200 different varieties around the globe. Japan's square-shaped watermelon is the most expensive. Japanese markets, having perfected this unique shape sell these expensive melons anywhere from $75 to $100 U.S. Dollars! This is a very expensive piece of fruit. Especially when you consider that the organically shaped watermelon sold in America costs about $8 U.S. Dollars. This is a big difference.

Growing Up Loving Watermelon

My Mom deserves credit. It's unlikely that I would enjoy watermelon as much without her. It's not normal to love a fruit. Watermelon is a fruit that everyone loves, but it's my favorite. I can't get enough. Every Summer, during watermelon season I buy as much as possible. As a Summer fruit it is hard to find at other times of the year. I am aware that my time to enjoy such a juicy fruit is very limited.

As a child, I loved eating just slices of watermelon. My Mom made me and my younger brothers take the watermelon outside in our backyard because we were so messy. I think there's a picture of us three laughing and eating our watermelon.

My taste for watermelon grew and matured as I grew up. In my nine-year-old years, I recall having a babysitter for an afternoon while my mother was away. It was a hot summer day and it happened to be Mother's Day. I wanted to make something special for my mother. I knew that she would love Watermelon just as much as me, so I got to work with my babysitter and created my first culinary delight. This sparked a passion for cooking, as well as giving food as gifts.

What did I make for Mother's Day? My Mom loved these Watermelon Popsicles! When I was a child, I didn't have the same cooking skills as I do today. So, of course, I cooked something easy and simple, just like any other kid. Then, I thought that I was a great chef because I could make almost anything. If I want to cool down on a hot Summer's day, I remember this fondly. Now, the popsicles that I make are more complicated than they were back then. This recipe is at the bottom of this post, along with some other favorites I'll list below.

How I grew up with my love for watermelon

I was a US Military child who moved from home to home every two to three years. Watermelon was always available, no matter where I lived.

Over the years, what began as a passion for the watermelon fruit has evolved. Along with enjoying cool, sweet slices of watermelon I also began to appreciate recipes that included it. The summer after I turned 18, my first time combining watermelon with other flavors was a success. The neighborhood I live in was having a Summer Barbecue to celebrate all the seniors from the high school, which included me. Naturally, the Dads were grilling meat and, knowing my mother's love of watermelon as well, she suggested grilling it. A lot of gossip was going around. The people didn't think that grilling watermelon would be good. My strong-willed Mother, however, proved everyone wrong! My Dad placed the watermelon slices on his grill. My Dad thought that she was going crazy when she sprinkled salt and pepper over them. She knew exactly what she was doing. The whole neighborhood asked for more minutes later.

Even today, I enjoy grilling watermelon. This version, which is different from the one I enjoyed when I was eighteen years old, has been expertly paired up with other flavors like avocado and Jalapeno. This recipe is at the end this blog.

My Love For Watermelon As An Adult

Even as an adult, watermelon is still my favorite fruit. My cooking reflected my love for this popular melon. When I get a craving for watermelon, I turn to one of my many books and look for new recipes. You might be surprised at how many recipes I have made over the years with this bright pink fruit, ranging from salads to daiquiris. When combined with the sweetness of watermelon, herbs and spices like basil, cumin and mint can be used to excite your palate. Even a sprinkle of salt and pepper can add zing to watermelon dishes.

It's no surprise, then, that watermelon was a part of my wedding. We decided to serve alcohol to our guests at our wedding reception. But instead of having an entire bar, we chose to give our guests a list of our favourite cocktails. I included a watermelon mojito, my favorite summer cocktail. The bartender at our wedding reception made the best version of this drink, so I stole the recipe to continue enjoying its sweet flavors for years to come. You can now enjoy it! Below you'll find the recipe and others.

My love for watermelon influences the next generation

What my mother ate when she was expecting me became my favorite fruit. It's not that I hate it. We share a love of watermelon, and I'm so glad. In the summer, I try to cook her at least one watermelon recipe. She's enjoyed them all so far. She's not alone in her love for this pink melon.

I am a proud auntie to three young children. I have made watermelon sorbet for them several times, as well as fruit pizza and the recipe below. They can't stop eating it and their mother, my sister, says I am to thank for their passion. They always ask me when I visit if I have any watermelon treats to share with them.

My sister's children's most requested request takes me back all those years to when I made watermelon Popsicles as a young girl for my mother on Mother's Day. This version is delicious with cherries, raspberries and watermelon as the main ingredient. The addition of lime juice and mint makes this recipe even more delicious. This is a great treat for kids as well as adults.

Below I have included some of my favorite watermelon recipes.

Bon Appetit!

My Top Favorite Watermelon Recipes:

Watermelon, Cherry and Raspberry Popsicles

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

Cook/Set time: 7 hours

Serves: 10

Tools needed: A heatproof jug with a whisk, a wooden spoon, a food processor, 10x100ml Popsicle Molds and 10 wooden Popsicle Sticks.

Ingredients:

Raspberry Sugar
1 bunch of mint
Juice and zest of 1 lime finely grated
Watermelon, peeled and roughly chopped. Watermelon, peeled, and roughly chopped. Watermelon flesh yield: 1 lb
1 cup frozen Cherries
1/4 lb. Fresh raspberries punnet

Directions:

In a heatproof jug, combine raspberry sugar with 3/4 cup boiling water and whisk until the sugar dissolves. Add the lime zest and mint, then gently press down with a wooden spoon to completely submerge them in the syrup. The sugar syrup should be chilled until it is completely cooled. Remove the mint once it has cooled.
Blend the watermelon with the cherries, raspberries and lime juice in a food processor until smooth. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve and into a large container. Discard the solids. Stir in the sugar. Divide the mixture between 10 popsicle moulds with a capacity of 100ml.
Freeze for two hours, or until the ice starts to form. Insert wooden popsicle stick in the middle of the molds and freeze until solidified, about another 5 hours or overnight.

Recipe for Grilled Watermelon With Avocado, Cucumber and Jalapeno Salad:

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook Time : 4 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

1 Hass Avocado, peeled and sliced into pieces of 1/3 inch
1 cup finely chopped burpless cucumber
3 tbsps. Fresh lime juice
1 tbsps. You can also garnish with thinly sliced jalapeno.
14 tsp cumin seeds ground
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus more to brush
Himalayan pink salt, finely ground
Black smoked Peppercorn, ground
A 4lb watermelon quartered and then cut into 1 inch thick slabs
1/2 cup cilantro leaves
1/2 cup small dill sprigs

Directions:

Light the grill. Mix the avocado, cucumber, lime, cumin and minced jalapeno in a medium-sized bowl. Add salt and pepper to the salsa.
Sprinkle salt and pepper on the slabs of watermelon and brush them with olive oil. Grill on high heat and turn once until both sides are nicely charred, approximately 4 minutes. Transfer the watermelon to a serving platter. Pour the salsa over the watermelon, then top it with cilantro, dill, and jalapeno slices, if desired. Serve right away.

Watermelon, Basil and Wild Blueberry Sugar Mojito:

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

Yields 4 servings

Tool Needed: A 3L pitcher and a sieve.

Ingredients:

400ml dark rum
wild Blueberry Sugar
Serve 3 quartered limes with extra slices
400g of watermelon, roughly chopped and peeled. Plus extra wedges for serving
1/2 a cup of loosely packed basil leaves plus additional sprigs for serving
Serve ice cubes
2 litres (500mls) of chilled mineral water

Directions

Use a rolling pin to muddle the rum, lime, sugar, watermelon and basil together in a jug of 2L (8 cups). Pour the mixture into a fine mesh sieve and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Solids should be thrown away.
Add half of the ice to a pitcher that holds 3L (12 cups). Add the mineral water, garnished with lime, watermelon and basil.

Remember to enjoy responsibly.

The post Watermelon - How my mom's favorite fruit became mine appeared first on Spice Station.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important flavours in Thai cuisine?

Thai cuisine includes several distinct regional cuisines. These include Northern, Central and Southern Thai food. Each region has its unique flavour profile.

Thai food contains many flavors.

Thais love sweetness because it makes their dishes more delicious. Sweet ingredients such as palm sugar (gula melaka) and coconut milk play a significant role in Thai cuisine.

In Thailand, sourness is very popular. Hot dishes are often paired with sour foods. This helps to balance the heat.

Thai food is not complete without spicy food. Thai recipes often include spices such as galangal and ginger root.

What are the 11 spices of Indian cooking?

Indian cuisine includes eleven spices, including cumin, coriander, cumin, mustard, fennel, and nigella seed, as well as black pepper, cloves and cinnamon sticks, dry red chill powder, turmeric, cardamom, and black pepper.

These ingredients can also be used in almost any dish. These spices are used in almost every dish, including curries, curries, chutneys (pickles), rice, bread and sweets.

Also, spices have many health benefits. Turmeric, for example, is known to fight cancer cells. Cloves protect against bad breath. Black pepper helps lower cholesterol levels. Cinnamon lowers blood pressure. And ginger aids digestion.

A spice rack is a great kitchen tool because it allows you to experiment with different combinations of flavors. You can make your own blends of spices or buy ready-made mixes containing many essential spices.

Some people are against adding spices to their food. They believe spices mask natural flavors and do not improve them. A pinch of salt or pepper will not harm your dishes.

Most chefs agree that spices are an essential part of cooking art. Without them, many dishes would be bland and tasteless. If you are feeling adventurous, try out a new dish and see what happens.

What are the ten most loved spices?

Spices can be used to flavor foods and beverages. Some spices are more well-known than others. There are hundreds of different spices. Let's now take a look at some of the most well-known spices to find out why they are so beloved.

Spices are vital in cooking as they add flavor and aroma without adding calories. Many spices contain essential vitamins, minerals, and help to keep our bodies healthy.

Here are the top ten most-loved spices.

Cinnamon - This spice is known to improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels. It also helps to prevent colds and flu.
Garlic – This spice aids in fighting infections and boosts immunity. It can also help lower blood pressure by aiding digestion.
Oregano is a spice that boosts energy and increases athletic performance. It can also help with memory problems and fight infection.
Black pepper - This spice is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help reduce stress and heart disease.
Basil-Basil is rich in vitamin K, calcium and iron. It is also known to boost metabolism and fight cancer cells.
Salt and vinegar - These ingredients make for a delicious combination. Both salt and vinegar are very effective against bacteria and viruses.
Cloves- Clove oil - This natural remedy is great for sore throats, toothaches, and even sore throats. It is also great for muscle spasms, cramps, and other issues.
Ginger – Ginger has been shown during pregnancy to alleviate nausea and morning sickiness. It can also clear your sinuses.
Curry Powder - Curries have been around since ancient times. They were made originally with coconut milk. We now use other oils or base oils like ghee.
Turmeric – This spice is one the oldest medicinal herbs.

Use these ten favorite spices to enhance the flavour of your next meal. You might be surprised at the results.

What's the importance of spices in your life?

A spice is a seasoning used to enhance flavour in food. There are many types of spices, including powders, liquids and oils. They are also known as condiments and flavours.

It's a great way of adding variety to your meals by spiceing them up. Many spices can be added for additional flavor and excitement.

It may be that adding a few drops to your bowl of soup makes it more flavorful. Mixing a couple of cayenne peppers in a cup rice can make it even more delicious.

Fresh ingredients are the best way to try new spicing techniques. Organic herbs are better than dried herbs. Fresh herbs last longer than dried.

Certain spices are essential in cooking. However, you may prefer to avoid some. Cinnamon sticks are high in coumarin so you should avoid them if your liver has been affected. Ginger also contains high amounts of coumarin. However, it is much more concentrated. It is safe for people without a history or liver disease.

What uses is Thai spice?

We all have heard the term Thai spices, but we don't understand what it really means. When we taste it, our mouths water and we wonder why we aren't eating more.

It's more than just a spice. It's an essential ingredient, which adds depth and flavor to dishes otherwise bland.

Thousands of recipes call for Thai spices, but few of them include the real deal. Let's find out how to add these wonderful flavors to your dishes.

Thais have been using herbs and spices in their cooking since antiquity to add flavor to food. Thai derives its name from the Sanskrit phrase "to cook".

Even today, most Thais prefer to eat spicy foods. This preference is often attributed to the hot weather in Thailand, which makes it difficult to keep warm without something hot to drink. Additionally, Thais consume much more chili peppers than Europeans or Americans.

It is a great way to learn more about Thai spices. You'll find many ingredients there, including fresh basil leaves, dried chilies and curry paste.

You might also find whole peppercorns and cloves as well as cinnamon sticks, star anise pods (star anise), cardamom pods ginger root, cumin seeds coriander seeds seeds, fennel seed, nutmeg mace, mustard seeds, saffron threads garlic, onion, rice vinegar, and tamarind juice.

Thai cuisine has two kinds of spices: wet and dry. The dry spices are usually ground while the wet spices are crushed or pounded finely.

Dry spices can be added to any dish. You can sprinkle ground red pepper on your chicken soup. Wet spices are commonly mixed with oil or butter to form a paste.

Wet spices are commonly used in marinades and sauces. Common wet spices include oyster sauce, fish sauce and sesame oils, curry paste, hoisin sauce, and sesame seed oil.

Thai cuisine can be made at home by learning which spices work well with specific ingredients.

For example, red pepper flakes is recommended for beef. If you're using seafood like shrimp, white pepper should be used.

If you don't live near an Asian market, you can order online. There are many options for exotic herbs, spices and dried chilies.

Next time you're hungry, try one of these delicious Thai recipes!

What's the difference between curried and curry?

The spellings are the same. Both words are used to describe the same thing: Indian dishes that combine meat or vegetables with various seasonings.

Curry comes from the Hindi word kari meaning "to rub." This term refers to how the spice mixture is rubbed onto the food. Curry foods are usually cooked until golden brown.

Curried dishes weren't always reserved for special occasions. Today, they can be enjoyed throughout India. These dishes can be chicken, beef (lamb), fish, or vegetables.

Curried dishes are typically served alongside plain white rice. You can also add raita (a yogurt sauce), or chutney (a sweet relish).

What Herbs or Spices go Best with Potatoes

A potato is a delicious side dish for almost all meats. You might have been cooking potatoes for a while and know that there are other ways to prepare them.

These versatile vegetables are great additions to many meals, including casseroles, soups and pasta dishes. Many spices and herbs are good with potatoes, did you know?

These recipes will help you spice up your next potato dish.

Statistics

According to the McCormick Science Institute, indigenous Indian spices were cultivated as early as the 8th century BC in the gardens of Babylon. (spicecravings.com)
India contributes to 75% of global spice production. (en.wikipedia.org)
Their 14 to 20 percent essential oil content means that cloves have the highest concentration of aroma compounds of any spice. (masterclass.com)

External Links

How To

How to cut Shiitake Mushrooms

The shiitakes are doing well. You can't go wrong with them. But how do we cut them without cutting ourselves? We've tried everything, even scissors. But they just keep slipping from our hands. Is there something wrong?

It's possible to do this by using a trick. You must put a rubber band around the mushroom's stem and twist it tight. You won't slip or cut yourself.

You may be thinking that this seems too easy. It is. However, it is also very efficient.

The rubber band makes your stem slippery and it feels very natural when you pick it it up. Plus, it doesn't hurt to hold the stem tightly.

Go ahead, try it. You will be amazed at the ease with which you can now cut mushrooms.