Growing and using homegrown watermelons to whip up delicious and creative recipes that delight your whole family. From salads to smoothies to sorbets, we've curated 11 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the versatility of this summer staple.

1. Watermelon, Arugula, and Pine Nut Salad:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon, cut into cubes and deseeded
• Arugula leaves
• Pine nuts
• Balsamic vinegar

Recipe:

1. Toss watermelon cubes, arugula, and pine nuts in a bowl.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
3. Serve chilled.

2. Watermelon Rind Preserves:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon rinds
• Sugar
• Lemon juice

Recipe:

1. Peel and chop the watermelon rind.
2. Boil in sugar and lemon juice until translucent.
3. Store in sterilized jars and serve as marmalade.

3. Pickled Watermelon:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon cubes
• Vinegar
• Sugar
• Chilli flakes

Recipe:

1. Pack watermelon cubes into jars.
2. Heat vinegar, sugar, and chilli flakes until dissolved.
3. Pour over watermelon cubes and seal jars.
4. Refrigerate and consume in 2-3 days.

4. Watermelon Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Feta Cheese, and Seeds:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon cubes
• Cherry tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Roasted seeds of your choice (like pine nuts, sunflower seeds etc)

Recipe:

1. Combine watermelon cubes, summer tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Top with crushed roasted seeds.

5. Watermelon Chia Smoothie:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon puree, fresh
• Chia seeds
• Yoghurt

Recipe:

1. Blend watermelon puree and chia seeds until smooth.
2. Add yoghurt for extra creaminess.

6. Watermelon Sorbet:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon puree
• Sugar (optional)
• Lemon juice

Recipe:

1. Mix watermelon puree, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Freeze until set, stirring occasionally.

7. Grilled Summer Veggies with Basil-Watermelon Salsa:

Ingredients:

• Grilled summer veggies (zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomato etc.)
• Watermelon cubes
• Fresh basil leaves 
• Lime juice

Recipe:

1. Toss grilled veggies with basil-watermelon salsa.
2. Serve as a side dish or over-grilled proteins.

8. Yoghurt Watermelon Parfait:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon cubes
• Greek yoghurt
• Granola

Recipe:

1. Layer watermelon cubes, Greek yoghurt, and granola in glasses.
2. Repeat layers and serve chilled.

9. Tomato Watermelon Gazpacho:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon chunks
• Tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Red onion
• Garlic

Recipe:

1. Blend watermelon, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and garlic until smooth.
2. Chill before serving.

10. Watermelon Lime Peanut Salad:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon cubes
• Lime juice
• Roasted peanuts
• Fresh mint

Recipe:

1. Toss watermelon cubes with lime juice.
2. Sprinkle with roasted peanuts and fresh mint.

11. Watermelon Pops:

Ingredients:

• Watermelon puree
• Popsicle moulds

Recipe:

1. Pour watermelon puree into popsicle moulds.
2. Insert sticks and freeze until solid.

Benefits of Having Watermelon in Summer:

• Hydration: Watermelon's high water content helps keep you hydrated in the summer heat.
• Nutrient-rich: Packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as antioxidants like lycopene.
• Low in Calories: Enjoy guilt-free snacking with watermelon's low-calorie and high-fibre content.

Homegrown watermelons also tend to have superior flavour compared to store-bought varieties. You have control over the growing process, ensuring your watermelons are free from pesticides and chemicals. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting and enjoying fruits from your own garden. So this summer, give them a try. Shop watermelon seeds now.