Watermelons reign supreme as the quintessential seasonal treat, beloved by folks of all ages for their refreshing, hydrating properties, particularly cherished during the sweltering summer months. However, selecting the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a gamble, as its quality remains concealed until sliced open.
Several critical factors come into play when scouting for the ideal watermelon, with shape, appearance, and color being paramount. Primarily, a good watermelon should feel weighty in your hands, indicating its juiciness and ripeness. Keep an eye out for the telltale melon spot, a creamy yellow splotch on the underside opposite the stem; a green or white spot signifies an underripe fruit. Additionally, a glossy rind is a sign of freshness.
To further gauge ripeness, give the watermelon a gentle tap; a hollow sound indicates peak readiness for consumption. Opt for specimens with a symmetrical round or oval shape, steering clear of any irregularities.
In the quest for health-conscious eating, distinguishing naturally grown produce from those laced with chemical fertilizers is paramount. Many farmers resort to growth accelerants to expedite melon development, with a distinct crack in the core serving as a telltale sign of synthetic cultivation.
Should you encounter such a rift in a watermelon, it’s indicative of chemical intervention during growth.
The benefits of watermelon extend beyond its flesh to include its oft-discarded seeds, teeming with essential nutrients. Don’t toss those seeds aside, as they boast a wealth of goodness. A mere 150 grams of dried seeds contain a whopping 30.6 grams of protein, fulfilling 61% of your daily protein needs.
These seeds pack a punch of essential amino acids like tryptophan, glutamic acid, and lysine, alongside arginine, renowned for its blood pressure-regulating properties and arterial health benefits. Niacin, a B vitamin crucial for nerve function, digestion, and skin health, abounds in these seeds, alongside thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid.
Minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, sodium, copper, manganese, and zinc round out the nutritional profile, bolstering muscle and joint health. As for the watermelon rind, it boasts minimal fat and cholesterol content. Citrulline, abundant in the peel, aids in ammonia detoxification in the liver, combats oxidative stress, promotes vasodilation, and boosts energy levels.
This often-overlooked portion also houses a treasure trove of vitamins A, C, D, E, B6, and B12, alongside pantothenic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium. These vitamins, coupled with antioxidants, fortify the immune system and ward off heart disease, joint inflammation, and various cancers, including colorectal, prostate, breast, and cervical.
Surpassing tomatoes in lycopene content, watermelon emerges as a potent antioxidant, slashing LDL cholesterol levels and safeguarding against cardiovascular ailments, cataracts, and osteoporosis.
Texas man smashes autographed Taylor Swift guitar after buying it for $4,000
A Texas man is going viral after bidding on a guitar signed by Taylor Swift and then smashing it with a hammer.The video, which has since been shared on multiple social media networks, shows the man grab the guitar after placing the winning bid of $4,000 and attempting to break it into pieces.
“When the man announced his intention to smash it the camera phones came out,” an event attendee told The Independent.
The viral moment happened at the Ellis County Wild Game Dinner in Waxahachie, Texas on September 28. The event acted as a fundraiser to support agricultural and rural education for the local youth.
Tickets to see George Strait and Chris Stapleton, an African safari, a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and the Taylor Swift guitar were among the prizes being auctioned off.
When it came time to start the bidding on the Taylor Swift guitar, one man offered $3,200 for the signed guitar. According to the event organizer, the winning bidder paid $4,000 for the item.
In the viral video, the winner can be seen approaching the stage to claim the guitar. As he grabs the guitar, he is also handed a hammer which he takes and swiftly begins hitting against the instrument.
Some viewers have suggested the man beat the guitar due to Swift’s recent endorsement of Kamala Harris, though according to TMZ the guitar was donated well before Swift made her announcement.
The man’s actions sparked a debate with some people applauding him for destroying the guitar and others saying he should have donated his money directly to charity.
“What a waste of money,” one person wrote.
“It wasn’t a waste of $$ at all! The $4,000 he spent did go to the kids. The proceeds for the dinner went to the Future Farmers of America,” another chimed in.
What do you think of this man’s actions? Let us know in the comments.
Leave a Reply