In summer, caviar and Champagne? Of course! However, you can satisfy both body and soul without mentally travelling to faraway countries that produce such delicacies.

It’s hot, you’re perspiring, it’s the time when the urge to quench your thirst with something refreshing becomes overwhelming. You think of watermelon and your mouth starts watering.

Then you start having doubts: Could it be bad for you, especially if consumed in large quantities? Nonsense! You do a quick search and discover that the tricolored fruit - green on the outside, white on the inside of the rind, and red in the flesh - has a low sugar content and a high water content. These two elements together help curb your appetite.

But there’s more: it's healthy for everyone, especially men. In fact, watermelon is also known as natural Viagra, as the white part contains citrulline, a substance that makes this fruit suitable for preventing cardiovascular diseases and it's also known for its aphrodisiac properties!

Further research reveals that, “like tomatoes, watermelon contains lycopene, the red carotenoid pigment that gives it its red colour. This important antioxidant is powerful in neutralizing harmful free radicals in our body.”

There are no particular contraindications to consuming watermelon. However, due to its high water content, it can be difficult to digest (and cause bloating). It is therefore not recommended for those with colitis, gastritis, or general digestive issues.

Moreover, watermelon is low in calories - only 30 kcal per 100 grams of flesh. Sure, one might say, but if you love this fruit and want to quench your thirst properly, you might consume at least 400-500 grams. The indulgence is therefore a bit more serious. But still low compared to the pleasure it brings.

When approaching any food, it’s important to consider the health aspect. Eating watermelon offers something that no medical textbook mentions: the great joy that fills those who enjoy this cucurbit (the name doesn’t do justice to its deliciousness).

There are countless recipes based on watermelon. Let’s keep it simple. Picture a group of friends after a meal. They choose the right, ripe fruit (by tapping it, you hear the classic hollow sound), cut it into slices or cubes, and dig in. With a good glass of Riesling or any rosé wine, they confirm that life is beautiful!

A similar discussion can be had with melon (excellent as an appetizer or dessert). While, as mentioned, the quality (ripeness) of watermelon is determined by its hollow sound, assessing the ripeness of a melon depends on both touch and aroma: when you press it, the melon shouldn’t be too soft, as it might be sour and unpleasant once opened; if the rind emits a strong and intense fragrance, you can be sure you have a ripe fruit.

Melon is also low in calories. For example, four small crescent-shaped slices contain about 75 calories - a venial sin of gluttony.

This cucurbit, too, has flesh composed of 90% water, making it a highly hydrating fruit, perfect for enduring the hottest days. Its flesh is rich in vitamin A, an antioxidant that protects the skin and mucous membranes. It also contains minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins B and C.

To fully enjoy it, the classic advice is to pair melon with prosciutto crudo (for geographical reasons, I recommend San Daniele, but Parma works just as well). Remove the melon from the fridge, cut it in half and remove the seeds; rinse it under running water. Then, cut it into eight slices and cover them with as many slices of prosciutto. Serve on a platter. Italian wine pairing: Ribolla Gialla (we’re still in Friuli), Pinot Grigio, Lugana, Grillo, Orvieto avoid wines with pronounced mineral characteristics.

Have a great summer … and cheers!

Mariagrazia Bassan
Dame de la Chaîne
Bailliage of Friuli Venezia Giulia

Article first published in "Le Rôtisseur", the Bailliage of Italy's magazine