Blogging from A to Z Challenge - W

We're coming ever close to the end of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge. Today we're talking about another one of my favorite fruits--watermelon.

It just wouldn't be a summertime New England picnic without this great fruit. Coming in various shapes and sizes, sliced or chunked, you can't beat the taste of a ripened watermelon; though they can be a bit messy.

We're growing watermelon in the garden this year. Pumpkins were tough to grow, but that was in my normal bed, so we'll see if the raised beds make any difference. We also planted another member of the Cucurbitaceae family, squash.

According to The World's Healthiest Foods, watermelon is a good source of vitamins A and C. The vitamin C and beta-carotene found in this sweet fruit can be helpful in reducing heart disease, the risk of colon cancer, and the "airway spasm that occurs in asthma." It's also known to alleviate some of the symptoms of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lacking energy lately? Watermelon is also a good source of vitamin B, which is tied to energy production.

One of the best creations after seedless grapes has to be the seedless watermelon. Our family loves them. We often bring one to summertime potlucks at church or picnics. When the grocery store starts carrying watermelons and corn on the cob, I know summer can't be too far away.