The first thing to do is remove the crust from the watermelonRemove the seeds and cut it into small cubes. The watermelon needs to be cut into small cubes so that it's easier to blend later and achieve a smooth consistency. homogeneous juiceIt's not necessary to make perfect squares, the important thing is that the pieces are of a similar size to facilitate mixing.
Afterwards, the sugar To prepare a syrup, you can either mix everything directly. If you prefer to dissolve it, place a cup of water Heat it. When it's hot, add the sugar and stir until completely dissolved. This way you get a light syrup which blends better into the juice and prevents any unmixed sugar from remaining. Then, remove from the heat and set aside for later.
The watermelon pieces are placed in a bowl or a blenderIf necessary, do this in two batches so the blender can work smoothly. Add two cups of water and blend until the watermelon is completely pureed, taking advantage of the fact that more than half of it is already blended. 90% of a watermelon is water and it blends very easily. Pour in the rest of the water and continue mixing until you reach the desired consistency.
When this is ready, the sugar dissolved in the water, which has been prepared previously, and continue mixing until obtaining a juice. If the sugar has not dissolved, add it directly and mix until everything is well blended. Then the lemon juice and continue mixing. The lemon adds a slight acidity that enhances the natural sweet taste of the watermelon and helps to better preserve the color and antioxidant nutrients, such as lycopene and the beta carotene.
When all the ingredients are well mixed, pour the watermelon juice into a bowl and add a little of ice so that it is fresh. The rest of the juice is reserved in the fridge to keep it cold. As you can see, the preparation of this refreshing drink is simple and fast. If you want a more liquid result, just add more water And the same applies to sugar: you can adjust the amount or even substitute it with honey o agave syrup If you're looking for a slightly healthier option, although ideally you should take advantage of the fruit's natural sweetness.
Nutritional value and properties of watermelon
A moderate serving of watermelon of approximately 150 grams It provides very few calories, around 45 KcalThis makes it an ideal fruit if you're looking for a light drink. This is because around the 91% of its composition is waterso it hydrates intensely without adding much energy. The rest of its contents are divided into about simple carbohydrates that provide natural sweetness, small amounts of proteins y fat and some fiber which contributes to good intestinal transit.
Besides being light, watermelon is rich in Antioxidants such as lycopene, beta-carotene, and citrulline, as well as in Vitamin A and minerals like potassium and the MagnesiumIt also stands out for its low sodium content, making it suitable for people who need to watch their sodium levels. blood pressureAll these compounds help protect against oxidative stressThey contribute to cardiovascular health, promote proper hydration, and can reduce the risk of age-related eye problems thanks to their supply of vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
How to prepare watermelon juice step by step
To prepare a smooth, refreshing, and balanced watermelon juice, you can follow a few simple guidelines that allow you to adapt the recipe to different tastes. After peeling, removing the seeds, and chopping the fruit, blend it well with cold water until you get a smooth mixture. From here, adjust the juice density Adding more or less water: with less water you get a thicker drink with more pulp; with more water you get a lighter juice, ideal for drinking in large glasses with ice.
If you want to intensify the flavor, you can chill the watermelon in the refrigerator before blending it. This will make the juice even more intense. refreshing without needing to add as much ice, which prevents it from becoming too watered down. The touch of freshly squeezed lemon It not only adds freshness, but also helps to highlight the sweet nuances of the fruit and slightly extend the shelf life of the drink by slowing down oxidation.
Another important aspect is deciding whether you prefer a juice with some... pulp or completely strained. After blending the watermelon, you can strain the mixture through a fine sieve if you want a very smooth, no-clump texture. However, if you leave some of the pulp in, you'll get more out of the small amount of fiber and feel more satisfied without increasing the calories.
As to sweetenedRipe watermelon is usually sweet enough on its own, so adding sugar isn't necessary. If the fruit isn't very sweet, or if you prefer a sweeter drink, you can use small amounts of sugar, honey, or natural sweeteners, but always in moderation. Maintaining the watermelon's natural sweetness helps make the juice a light and suitable option for a mid-morning snack, an afternoon treat, or to accompany a balanced breakfast.
Watermelon juice variations and combinations with other fruits
Watermelon juice has numerous uses variants which allows it to be adapted to different times of day and personal preferences. A very popular option is to combine it with pineapple, strawberries o appleThis results in a mixed juice that is especially rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Blending two cups of watermelon with one cup of pineapple and one cup of strawberries, for example, produces a very aromatic drink with an interesting balance between sweetness and acidity.
A small amount can also be incorporated fresh ginger to add a slightly spicy and digestive touch, or add leaves of mint o mint Add some water to the smoothie to intensify the feeling of freshness. Another alternative is to use some of the water as sparkling water, resulting in a watermelon juice with a refreshing texture. effervescent It's reminiscent of a soft drink, but without the excessive added sugars and additives typical of commercial beverages.
For those seeking an extra boost of nutrients, it is possible to include a small handful of tender spinach or kale leaves in the blender along with the watermelon and the rest of the fruit. The sweet, watery flavor of the watermelon masks the taste of the leafy greens very well, resulting in a juice that looks a bit greener but is very nutritionally complete.
Finally, another refreshing idea is to pour the watermelon juice into an ice cube tray, freeze it, and use the cubes to chill other juices or even sparkling water. This avoids ice cubes that dilute the drink and, instead, adds more flavor. Serving the juice in tall glasses with ice, accompanied by mint leaves and small pieces of watermelon or other fruit, makes for a visually appealing presentation, perfect for everyday enjoyment or informal gatherings.
Drinking watermelon juice regularly is a simple and enjoyable way to increase your energy levels. hydrationEnjoy a very light fruit and benefit from its antioxidant compounds, all in a very easy recipe to prepare and that can be customized almost without limits.