HEYO… It’s officially summer and nothing makes me think of summer more than hydrating fruits, specifically watermelon. I usually don’t consume a lot of fruit because I truly believe in limiting sugar intake, even natural sugars, for many reasons. However, with the heat and sun on full swing and watermelons popping up everywhere, I just can’t help myself. Plus, there are some serious benefits to this lovely fruit. Welcome, the Watermelon Granita which is refreshing, hydrating, and kid or adult friendly!
First of all, the obvious. Watermelon is extremely hydrating! It is made up of 92 percent water, which makes sense since it is a ‘water-melon.’ It’s no surprise that this fruit is in season during the summer, when it is hot, we are sweating, and we need some more H2O in our lives!
Then there’s the super cool lycopene component of watermelon. Lycopene is a phytochemical that is one of the best free radical scavengers in the carotene family. This makes it very important for cardiovascular health and bone health, BUT what is super cool is that it actually protects your skin from UV damage from the inside out. It’s basically internal sunscreen. WHAT? Yep! So, eating watermelon during the summer may even lessen your chance of sunburn.
**This doesn’t mean that this should be your only form of skin protection from the sun, don’t be silly and get all burnt up! Use sunscreen, but make sure it’s one that is safe for your skin and the environment! I am currently using Alba Botanica sunscreen, but you can check the EWG website for the best sunscreens if you want to use something else!
Watermelon is also loaded with vitamin C which is an incredible antioxidant that is beneficial for pretty much every system in your body, including your beautiful skin!
While watermelon is juicy and delicious on it’s own, you can definitely make a super fun treat with it. I think this would be a super fun project for kids since it is extremely easy, but also has steps that allow you to see it slowly turning into a magical treat!
- 4.5 cups rough chopped watermelon
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- pinch of salt
- Blend all ingredients together into a juice
- STOP RIGHT THERE and pour yourself a glass, top with carbonated water and maybe a splash of vodka or tequila if you’re feeling frisky. Okay, now onto the next step.
- Transfer mixture into a large glass baking dish.
- Place in freezer for 4-5 hours.
- Scrape the mixture until it is the texture of shaved ice.
- Repeat this step until you’ve got a whole pan full of ‘shaved ice.’
- THAT’S IT! Now, put it in a beautiful glass and serve it up!
This Watermelon Granita is amazing as a frozen treat, but can also be diluted with water or blended with ice for a quick and hydrating drink. I also think it’s an awesome mixer for when you’re having a little more fun in the sun!
Blair is a Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health through a holistic approach that focuses on body, mind, and spirit. 
