August 3 is National Watermelon Day!

If you need a reason to enjoy a slice of watermelon, today is National Watermelon Day!

Did you know:

• At over 90 percent water, watermelon is a wise snack choice on hot days?

• Watermelon is a nutritional powerhouse? It's an excellent source of Vitamin C, which
  is a major antioxidant. It has a high beta carotene concentration, thus offering a fair amount of vitamin A. Both beta carotene with vitamin A help support good eyesight and prevent glaucoma.

• Why the meat or pulp of watermelon is usually pink or red? Those colors indicate lycopene content, which is an antioxidant that may minimize cancer risks. Plus, watermelon offers abundant amounts of the minerals potassium and magnesium. Potassium is important for cardiovascular health and brain health and helps the kidneys eliminate kidney stone forming calcium as well as assists with the body's fluid retention.

A fun fact about watermelon is about a half century ago, watermelons were round. This shape made them very hard to stack and they rolled around during the rough ride from farm to market. They were also soft. All the bumping and rolling made them crack and bruise. During this time, a plant bree

A fun fact about watermelon is about half a century ago,

der named C. Fred Andrus set out to develop a better watermelon. He came up with the first sweet melon that could be stacked due to its oblong shape. This new breed of watermelon also resisted the most serious watermelon diseases of the day. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, there are more than 1,200 varieties of watermelon grown worldwide.

Try a new twist on an old favorite with these ideas:

• Caramelize watermelon slices on the grill, then drizzle with honey, lime and a pinch of salt.
• Pair with shrimp on a kabob.
• Carve out a watermelon to use as a bowl. Fill with fruit salad.
• Use watermelon in place of tomatoes in a citrus salsa.
• Use its juice as a glaze on shrimp or pork.

Of course, watermelon is also a crowd pleaser “as is.” Slice it up and you have an instant appetizer, side dish or dessert.

Enjoy! As always, please send recipes you would like to share to smithfieldfarmersmarketrecipes@gmail.com.

Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers

These Tomato, Watermelon, and Basil Skewers from Giada De Laurentiis are sure to go fast at any dinner or party, as people will return for seconds. While most people wouldn't think of putting tomatoes and watermelon together, this combination is definitely a hit!  I have found it best to make the balsamic syrup in advance to allow time for it to thicken and to save some time during assembly.

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 (4 to 5 pound) watermelon, cut into 32 cubes (1-1/2")
• 32 small basil leaves (or torn larger leaves)
• 16 cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• 16 (6-inch) skewers

Combine the balsamic vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.

Starting with the watermelon squares, push the watermelon to the very tip of the skewer. Then skewer a basil leaf, then a tomato half. Continue with another watermelon, basil leaf, and tomato half. Place the skewer on a serving platter so it stands upright, using the lowest watermelon square as a base. Continue with the remaining skewers.

Drizzle the skewers with the reserved balsamic syrup and the olive oil. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Serve.

Enjoy! As always, please send recipes you would like to share to smithfieldfarmersmarketrecipes@gmail.com.