Cool Off with Mouth Watering Melons
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Refreshing, satisfying and low in calories, melons make a great summertime treat. During August, melons are abundant in local stores, farmer's markets and roadside produce stands.
Two of the most popular melons are the familiar watermelon and cantaloupe. High in water content and relatively low in calories, these and other melons are also fat and cholesterol free.
No need to reach for ice cream, sorbets or sherbets. Melons make the perfect cool treat. Appease your sweet tooth with a bowl of chilled melon and you'll be satisfied with the taste and the calories. While a full cup of melon balls is only 40 to 60 calories, just a scoop of sorbet or sherbet is two to three times that, and ice cream's in the hundreds!
I discovered one of my favorite melon desserts on a trip to Italy. This simple recipe makes four 1/2 cup servings:
- Cube or ball a cup of fresh, chilled melon.
- Place it in a shallow dish.
- Sprinkle a cup of berries over the top to complement the flavor.
- Pour a dessert wine over the top to marinate the fruit.
Let it sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before serving so that the melon and berries soak up the flavor of the wine. It's delicious!
Remember melons this summer. A food doesn't have to be manufactured to be a tasty treat.
Healthy regards,
Megan Porter, RD
