Goodbye to Summer Watermelons

It's time to say goodbye to summer fruits especially the sweet, refreshing watermelons that we've enjoyed over the last few months.

Did you know that there are over 1200 varieties of watermelons and that they are grown in over 96 countries around the world?

The watermelon is actually a vegetable and is related to pumpkins and cucumbers. In Israel, watermelon is served on its own or with cubes of salty feta cheese on the side.

A watermelon was once thrown at the Roman Governor Demosthenes during a political debate. He promptly placed the watermelon on his head and thanked the thrower for providing him with a helmet to protect his head in the battle against Philip of Macedonia. Watch the watermelons fly during the 2nd McCain – Obama debate scheduled for tonight, October 7th.

In Japan farmers in the Zentsuji region have discovered a way to grow watermelons in square glass boxes. The square watermelons are easier to stack and take less shelf space.

Watermelon Salsa Recipe

2 cups seeded and coarsely chopped watermelon
2 tablespoons chopped onion
3 tablespoons seeded and chopped Anaheim Chile
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

Combine all of the ingredients and chill for at least one hour before serving.

Makes 16 + servings.