By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
Arizona watermelon picked fresh.
There is nothing like a big, juicy slice of watermelon on a hot summer day. Besides being an incredibly refreshing and delicious snack, watermelon is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals, as well as some great health benefits!
According to registered dietician Lindsey DeSoto, watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, lycopene, and citrulline. It is also comprised mostly of water, making it very hydrating. Thanks to these nutrients and its high-water content, the watermelon keeps you hydrated, promoting satiety, boosting eye health, reducing muscle soreness, boosting the immune system, improving digestion, and promoting skin health.
Besides just eating the juicy red flesh of the watermelon, did you know that the seeds are edible and nutrient dense too? DeSoto notes that they are a great source of protein, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc.
Arizona farmers grow lots of watermelons over the summer months! Check out the Fill Your Plate website for more information on where to find locally-grown watermelons to enjoy this summer! Or, go to your local farmers’ market. It’s summer; they’ll have Arizona melons.