Last month I had the opportunity to visit southern Florida to check out the annual watermelon harvest. In the southeastern United States, watermelons are a big deal. There's even a royal court that crowns 10 'watermelon queens' - look for national watermelon queen Katelyn Kelley, who will be visiting the Toronto area over the Canada Day long weekend to host a series of watermelon eating contests.
Harvesting watermelons in Immokalee, Florida
I love eating watermelons throughout the year, but especially in the summer when they're in season. My favourite way to enjoy watermelon is to simply sprinkle on a bit of kosher salt (it really does make it taste sweeter) or pureeing some cold melon in a blender to make a sweet, healthy drink.
Here are six more delicious ways to enjoy watermelon:
Island chicken with minty melon salsa
For more watermelon recipes, visit the National Watermelon Promotion Board.
Here's more information on Longo's annual watermelon eating contest:
Store #1: Richmond Hill Longos, 10870 Yonge St., Richmond Hill, ON (10-11 am)
Store #2: Markham Longos, 3085 Highway #7, Markham, On (12-1 pm)
Store #3: Bathurst Longos, 9306 Bathurst St., Vaughan, ON (2-3 pm)
Miss Katelyn Kelley, 2012 National Watermelon Queen
Store #1: Glen Erin Longos, 5636 Glen Erin Dr, Mississauga, On (10-11 am)
Store #2: Winston Churchill Longos, 3163 Winston Churchill Blvd, Mississauga, On (12-1 pm)
Store #3: Milton Longos, 1079 Maple Avenue, Milton, ON (2-3 pm)
Miss Christine Chaloupka, 2012 Florida Watermelon Queen
Store #1: Burloak Longos, 3455 Wyecroft RD (Building C), Oakville, ON (10-11 am)
Store #2: Oakville Longos, 338 Dundas St, Oakville, ON (12-1 pm)
Store #3: Walkers Longos, 2900 Walkers Line, Burlington, On (2-3 pm)
Related stories
- 10 best rhubarb recipes
- 10 delectable cauliflower recipes
- 30 BBQ recipes
- 18 best burger recipes
- Five best grilling secrets for chicken
Connect with Chatelaine:
