Why put salt on watermelon

During hot summers, chilled watermelon provides a reprieve from the intense heat. It also acts as a refreshment when water has grown tiresome. Salting the melon answers another summertime dilemma: replenishing salts. When we sweat, our bodies lose a great deal of electrolytes, including sodium.

Sprinkling sodium on watermelon provides refreshing hydration, nutrients, and electrolytes. It's like nature's sports drink. Absolutely, but keep in mind that the salt has a purpose: it's downplaying the bitter flavors of the fruit and increasing the sweetness. Grapefruit would be excellent with a bit of salt, as would cantaloupe and green apples. But overly sweet fruits, like cherries or bananas, might not be a great fit for the salt shake.

Pineapple, which is very sweet, actually tastes great with a bit of salt thanks to the hint of sourness. In Hawaii, sliced pineapple is commonly served with li hing powder, a bitter, salty powder made of plum skin. It's used in a lot of the island's foods, from candies to doughnuts, but it's a big hit sprinkled on pineapple. In the South, where you're unlikely to find this colorful powder, a sprinkle of salt will suffice. Yes, you could use regular table salt if you wished, but there are some advantages to looking for better options.

The big flakes of kosher salt or Himalayan salt will cover more surface area with less salt, which is great if you have sodium concerns.

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Dinner Recipes. Lunch Recipes. You can get even more creative with your watermelon in a few other ways. To make a super indulgent treat, drizzle your salted watermelon with a little bit of honey. You could also squeeze some fresh lime juice onto your salted watermelon for a kick of citrus flavor. So there you have it. Even though watermelon is delicious on its own, simple culinary hacks like this one can really enhance all that this summer fruit has to offer.

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