Adequate hydration is essential for optimal wellness. The ideal source of hydration comes from clean and simple H2O. Not only does water quench your thirst, it is involved in a myriad of essential bodily functions. Water helps ensure luminous skin, flushes toxins from the body, and carries nutrients to and from the cells.
Many fruits and vegetables contain water. Consuming fresh produce is an excellent way to obtain optimal hydration while receiving the beneficial vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables.
As the name states, watermelon is composed of almost 90% water, which makes it the perfect summer or post workout replenisher. Watermelon contains essential vitamins A and C, fiber, lycopene, and citrulline. Lycopene is an antioxidant that is beneficial in the prevention of cancer and heart disease. As a source of the amino acid citrulline, eating watermelon post workout can aid with muscle relaxation and reduce soreness.
For a refreshing and replenishing spin on gazpacho, consider The Crunchy Radish’s chilled watermelon summer soup!
Watermelon Summer Soup
Serves 4
- 5 cups watermelon, coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon, finely chopped and peeled fresh ginger
- 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small jalapeño chile, seeded, minced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt to taste
Puree the watermelon and the ginger in a blender until smooth. Transfer puree to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the cucumber, bell pepper, jalapeño, red onion, olive oil, lime juice, and vinegar. Reserve ¼ cup of vegetable mixture for garnish. Add vegetables to the watermelon puree. Cover gazpacho and refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
Divide gazpacho among four bowls; top with a generous heap of reserved cucumber and bell pepper mixture, finish with salt to taste and enjoy!
