By: Judy Davie - The Food Coach
 After what felt like an endless winter - cold, wet, and dreary - the sunshine is finally back. The days are warming up, the skies are brighter, and our thoughts are turning to the good things ahead: picnics in the park, lazy BBQs with friends, and beach trips that stretch into the evening. And what fruit says hello sunshine better than watermelon?
With its vibrant pink flesh, refreshing crunch, and sweet juiciness, watermelon is the ultimate warm-weather treat. It's more than just delicious - it's over 90% water (hello, hydration!), low in calories, and packed with vitamins A and C to support your skin, eyes, and immune system. Lycopene, the antioxidant that gives it that gorgeous red colour, has heart-healthy benefits too. In other words, it's nature's answer to a sweet, cooling pick-me-up.
But watermelon isn't only for slicing and eating straight from the fridge. Here are 10 fun, fresh and slightly unexpected ways to enjoy it this spring and summer:
1. Keep It Classic
Chilled wedges of watermelon, eaten with juice running down your chin, are pure joy. Keep a bowl in the fridge, ready for instant refreshment.
2. Summer Salad Star
Pair watermelon cubes with salty feta, fresh mint, and a drizzle of olive oil. It's simple, stylish, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
3. Chilled Soup for Hot Days
Blend watermelon with cucumber, a squeeze of lime, and a few basil leaves for a light gazpacho-style starter. Cool, elegant, and wonderfully refreshing.
4. Blended Bliss
Turn watermelon into smoothies by blitzing it with strawberries and Greek yoghurt, or freeze it into popsicles for a healthy, homemade ice block.
5. On the Grill
Surprise your BBQ guests by lightly grilling watermelon slices. The heat caramelises the sugars, making it a quirky side with halloumi, prawns, or even chicken.
6. Pickle the Rind
Don't throw away the rind! Peel it, pickle it, and you've got a crunchy, tangy condiment to serve alongside summer BBQs.
7. Workout Refresher
Watermelon juice isn't just delicious - it's a natural recovery drink thanks to citrulline, an amino acid that helps reduce muscle soreness. Perfect after a long walk, swim, or gym session.
8. Cocktails & Mocktails
Muddle it into mojitos, blend into daiquiris, or mix with sparkling water and lime for a simple mocktail. However you serve it, watermelon instantly makes drinks more festive.
9. Beauty Booster
Treat your skin with a DIY watermelon face mask. Mix blended watermelon with yoghurt and a drizzle of honey, smooth it over your face for 10 minutes, and rinse. Your skin will feel fresh and hydrated.
10. Kids' Favourite Trick
Scoop out the inside of a watermelon, blend the flesh, then pour it back into the hollowed shell and chill. Serve in slices - it looks spectacular and makes you the star of the picnic.
Why Watermelon Belongs in Your Basket
It's refreshing, healthy, and hydrating.
It doubles as food, drink, and even skincare.
It turns everyday moments into celebrations of summer.
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