COULD ORANGE BE THE NEW RED?

Watermelons - the very word invokes ideas of juicy, red, and refreshing. With the season here, CE lists the benefits of your favourite summer fruit, and a new variant that might hit the market soon

- RONNIE KURIAKOSE

FOR parched throats that navigate the city streets in this scorching summer heat, no sight is perhaps as heartening as a heap of watermelons. Beside it, you can almost always find someone selling cups of that ruby-red drink that is as nourishing as it is refreshing.

Indeed, watermelon, which is packed with water (92 per cent) and essential nutrients, instantly cools the body and replenishes lost energy, making it a summer necessity and a favourite of many.

Varieties of watermelon

While the classic red-fleshed watermelon is the most wellknown, there are many different types:

Seedless watermelon: Developed through hybridisation, seedless watermelons are easier to eat and just as sweet as traditional varieties.

Yellow and orange watermelon: These varieties have a sweeter, honey-like flavour and contain beta-carotene, an antioxidant found in carrots.

Mini watermelon: Also known as 'personal watermelons,' these smaller varieties are perfect for individual servings.

Moon and stars watermelon: This heirloom variety features a dark green rind with yellow spots resembling the night sky.

Why consume watermelon?

Hydration hero: Watermelon is nature's sports drink. Its high water content and electrolyte balance make watermelon perfect for replenishing fluids lost through sweating.