The best fresh recipes with July melons and watermelons 🍉: tips, storage and delicious ideas
Summer fruits Fresh recipes Conservation tips Smart budget 🥗 Easy & quick Watermelon & Melon
July is the height of melon and watermelon season! These watery fruits are the stars of the summer table. Easy to prepare, refreshing, and perfect for large gatherings as well as small snacks in the sun. But are you wondering how to really enhance them, prevent them from spoiling too quickly, or vary the pleasures? Stay here: I'll share my best tips, recipe ideas, and advice to fully enjoy their freshness and flavor all summer long! 🍉🥗
Whether you're a fan of the simplicity of plain melon, or you're looking for original combinations (with a hint of feta, or grilled on the barbecue 🔥!), you'll find something here to delight your family... and impress your guests without any hassle.
How to serve melon and watermelon for a change?
Watermelon and melon aren't just about the classic slice on a plate. For a colorful and festive table, have fun with shapes: balls (using a Parisienne spoon), cubes, or even thinly sliced carpaccio. A summer tip I love: alternate melon balls, watermelon, and feta on skewers, drizzled with a squeeze of lime. It's quick, ultra-fresh, and always makes a splash at a barbecue with friends ( our BBQ accessories are perfect to complete the party!).
Looking for a quick dessert? Try a melon-watermelon smoothie: chop your fruit, add a few ice cubes and a squeeze of lemon, then blend everything (a special smoothie blender will make preparation even easier). For an aperitif, consider verrines: mix diced watermelon with cucumber, fresh mint, and a little feta. A real refreshing boost to your palate!
Melon salad style 🥗
Combine melon, cured ham, a few arugula leaves, Parmesan shavings, a drizzle of olive oil, and toasted pumpkin seeds. A guaranteed hit for a quick and chic starter!
Grilled Watermelon on the BBQ 🔥
Slice the watermelon into thick slices, sprinkle with a little sweet chili or fragrant salt, then quickly grill on the barbecue. Surprising and delicious with a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
Melon-watermelon carpaccio
Slice melon and watermelon very thinly, drizzle with lemon, add basil, black pepper, and a few hazelnut pieces. Ultra fresh and full of vitamins!
To vary each week, you can also draw inspiration from our seasonal recipes tested and validated by the Neary team.
Tips for storing and cutting properly
Choose your melon carefully : Choose one that is heavy and fragrant, with cracks at the stem. The marked grooves are often a sign of a very sweet fruit.
Watermelon : Look for the yellow spot (on the side resting on the ground), a sign of ripeness. The darker it is, the better.
Whole storage : Leave melons and watermelons out of the refrigerator while they are still whole. Once opened, wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator, ideally in the least cold part (avoid contact with other fruits to limit odor transfer).
Freshness tip : To keep the already cut cubes or balls crisp, place them in an airtight container with a sheet of paper towel at the bottom. Once opened, they can be stored for two to three days.
Express Slicing : Cuts watermelon into slices and then into sticks for easy-to-grab snacks, perfect for kids or picnics.
If you're looking for more hassle-free cooking tips, our tips for choosing an air fryer can also inspire all your summer recipes!
Budget, smart shopping and ideal season
In July, melons and watermelons are at their best value for money. Favor local producers or markets: that's where you'll find freshness, flavor, and sometimes even original varieties (Charentais, yellow, mini watermelon, etc.). Prices often drop at the end of the market, so don't hesitate to stop by just before closing time for good deals.
As for smart shopping, know that melon can be stored whole for several days without any problem. Watermelon, on the other hand, can even be frozen in chunks for iced smoothies all summer long. A powerful blender will be your best ally to mix everything up in no time!
To extend the party, also consider incorporating melon and watermelon into your barbecue menus : in a crunchy salad, on fruity skewers, or even as a homemade frozen dessert. A real touch of originality at a low price.
FAQ — Melon & Watermelon in Summer
Can I freeze melon or watermelon?
Yes! Cut them into chunks and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once set, transfer them to a resealable bag. Perfect for smoothies or ultra-cold water.
How to prevent melon from going stale in the fridge?
Wrap it well to limit oxidation and consume it within two days. Serve it out of the refrigerator about ten minutes before tasting to awaken the aromas!
Any ideas for recycling an overripe melon?
Blend it into gazpacho, quick sorbet, or add it to a fruit salad. You can also add it to a cold soup with tomato, mint, and a squeeze of lemon.
What to pair watermelon with to surprise?
Feta, mint, olives, basil, or even a hint of sweet chili. Try it grilled for an unexpected flavor!
How long can you keep an opened melon?
Two to three days in the refrigerator, well covered. If necessary, remove the slightly dry part before serving to restore all the softness of the fruit.
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