Watermelons are sweet, juicy treat for summer heat

A juicy watermelon is a welcome addition to many on a hot Texas day. Made with more than 90% water and full of rich antioxidants, this product is a power fruit grown here in Texas.

According to mentalfloss.com, here are some refreshing facts about watermelon:

• Watermelons are both a fruit and a vegetable.

• You can eat the entire fruit.

• They are called watermelons for a reason.

• They come in 1,200 different varieties.

• The seedless ones are not genetically engineered.

• Watermelons can grow to be really, really big.

• Watermelons can help prevent cancer.

• Farmers in Japan have perfected the art of growing them in odd shapes.

• One South Carolina family kept an heirloom variety alive for almost 100 years.

• They’re the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.

—mh—

Let’s twist up “Taco Tuesday” with some Fruit Tacos. An impressive taco to build, this recipe can be an appetizer, a snack or a refreshing dessert.

Fruit Tacos

1 large avocado sliced

1 seedless cucumber, cut into matchstick

2 cups watermelon, cut into matchstick pieces

10 jicama tortillas

2 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 cup cilantro chopped

Servings: 5 servings (2 tacos)

Instructions

Wash your hands and preparation area. Rinse all produce before slicing.

Prepare your avocado, cucumber and watermelon by slicing into matchstick pieces or julienne cut.

Evenly layer 2-3 pieces of avocado, cucumber and watermelon in the middle of the jicama tortilla.

In a small bowl mix freshly-squeezed lime juice, honey and chili powder until well blended.

Drizzle a small amount over each tortilla and sprinkle on cilantro.

For more information and resources on eye health, visit the National Eye Institute at https://www.nei.nih.gov/ and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Vision Health Initiative at https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/index.htm. For programs on nutrition, physical activity, heart health, diabetes, and blood pressure management, contact your local County Extension Office at 254-605-0226.