Melon is a particularly refreshing fruit due to its high water content (90%). Its caloric intake is not very high: an average of 35 to 40 kcal per 100 g, depending on its sugar level, which can vary from 6 to 14% but today it is more frequent between 10 and 12%.
Your main asset? It is particularly rich in provitamin A (beta carotene) with antioxidant properties.
Along with the mango and the apricot, the melon is one of the fruits that contains the most. Thus, 100 g of melon cover approximately half of the recommended daily intake of provitamin A.
This beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A in the organism. An essential vitamin for cell growth and development, vision and the immune system. This makes it a very good product for children and teenagers.
To take advantage of this high content of beta-carotene, choose melons with a very marked bright orange color, for example the Calameño melon, which is very rich in carotene.
How to choose a melon
Choose a melon whose peduncle (the tail of the fruit) begins to detach: this means that the melon has reached its optimum stage of maturity. The melon should also be heavy and smell good, especially around the stem.
How to store a melon
To store, keep at room temperature if unripe or in the refrigerator in the crisper, wrapped in cling film, if ripe.
Melon, a fruit rich in vitamins and trace elements
Melon is also an interesting source of vitamin C with 25 mg per 100 g. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production and healing, it is also a good antioxidant. It also contains B vitamins but in smaller quantities.
Orange-fleshed melons are also a good source of bioflavonoids and other plant pigments that help prevent certain cancers Y diseases cardiovascular . Finally, it should be noted that the melon provides effective fibers for the proper functioning of the intestines.
How to consume melon?
You can eat your melon at the beginning of the meal or as a dessert. It doesn’t matter if you eat little. However, it can cause digestion problems at the end of a meal in people who can’t tolerate it.
It is recommended not to consume more than 100 to 150 g of melon pulp (that is, a 200 g portion with skin) in order not to consume too many calories and avoid the indigestible side.
Lime and Melon Smoothie
Ingredients
½ melon
125 g of natural Bulgarian yogurt,
1 lime
Elaboration
Cut the yellow Charentais melon in half. Using a spoon, remove the seeds from 1/2 melon, then scoop out the pulp and cut into chunks.
Using a small, sharp knife, peel the lemon.
Then cut it in half and remove the seeds. Mix the melon, lemon and cold yogurt.
Enjoy your shake immediately, accompanied by 1 slice of yellow Charentais melon.
Extra tip: you can add 1 glass of crushed ice for more freshness.