Of course, you can do so much more than just slice it. Tony Stallone with Peapod came into our ABC7 studio to show us a few recipes.
Tony's Tips For Watermelons:
- Do not refrigerate whole watermelons.
The ideal temperature to store a whole watermelon is 55 to 65 degrees, where your watermelon can last up to 2 weeks, but will also taste sweeter.
- Once you cut a watermelon refrigerate any leftovers immediately; cut watermelon should last 3 to 5 days in your refrigerator.
- Wash the outside of the watermelon before cutting to eliminate any food safety risk.
Tony's Recipes
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon cut in small chunks
1/2 cup water
1 lime
1 tsp. agave
Preparation:
Puree watermelon in blender or food processor.
Strain; then add water, juice from ½ of lime, and agave.
Cover and chill until ready to serve; pour over ice in tall glasses and slice remaining lime half to garnish drinks with.
Watermelon Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
4 cups seedless watermelon, cut in small chunks
2 Tbsps. Honey
11/2 cups ketchup
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 tsp. liquid smoke flavoring
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
Preparation:
Puree watermelon in blender or food processor; strain into heavy-duty saucepan.
Add remaining ingredients, and mix well.
Simmer over very low heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until sauce reaches desired consistency.
Watermelon Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups seedless watermelon, cut in small cubes
1 pt. (approx. 12 oz) assorted baby heirloom tomatoes, cut in small cubes
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. fresh cracked black pepper
1 small red onion, julienned
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Preparation:
Combine watermelon, tomatoes and onion in a bowl; sprinkle with sugar, salt and pepper and toss gently.
Stir in vinegar and oil.
Cover, and chill until ready to serve.
