Watermelon Days – the sweet taste of lycopene

Nothing says “summer” more than eating meaty, lip-dripping, watermelon slices on a hot humid day. You may be surprise to know that something so delicious is actually good for you too.

This summertime treat helps boosts blood levels of a powerful antioxidant called lycopene.  Lycopene belongs to a family of compounds known as carotenoids which give many fruits and vegetables their vibrant orange, yellow and red colors. Identified as heart healthy and a cancer fighter, lycopene is responsible for the red color found in tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit. Individuals found to have higher lycopene blood levels had a much reduced incidence of heart disease and prostate cancer.

When people think of lycopene they often think of tomatoes, but watermelon actually contains 40% more lycopene than fresh tomatoes by weight. Whereas the cooking process, by releasing lycopene from the cell walls, helps makes lycopene from tomatoes more freely absorbable by the body, watermelon lycopene is just as easily absorbed fresh from the fruit.

Here’s a watermelon recipe that is sure to be a hit around your house…

Watermelon Gazpacho
Here’s a watermelon take on a classic gazpacho traditionally made with tomatoes. Either way, gazpacho is a great way to get your lycopene fix. The extra virgin olive oil adds a silky smoothness to the dish and will help boost you body’s ability to absorb the fat-soluble lycopene.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS
7 cups cut in 3-4 inch segments + 1 cup finely diced watermelon (about 6 lbs with rind)
1 cup diced cucumbers
1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup diced red onion
2 tablespoon of sherry vinegar
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup cilantro

DIRECTIONS
Puree in batches 7 cups watermelon in food processor. Transfer to large bowl.
Add remaining 1 cup diced watermelon, cucumbers, bell pepper, and onion to bowl.
Stir in sherry vinegar, add black pepper and garnish with cilantro. Serve chilled.

Enjoy!

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