From: Dallas Morning News

Watermelon is a favorite cooling fruit for the summer and the food editors at Dallas Morning News have pulled together some great recipes for Watermelon Margaritas, Jack Ruby Cocktails, Watermelon-Strawberry Smoothies and Watermelon Sorbet.

While most people rely on the “thump” method when selecting a watermelon, the National Watermelon Promotion Board suggests there is a more reliable way to choose watermelons. Select a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents. Turn the melon over. If the underside is yellow, and the rind has an overall healthy sheen, the watermelon is probably ripe. Select melons that are heavy for their size. Watermelons are 92% water, which obviously accounts for most of their weight. A good rule of thumb is to buy the melon size that will satisfy your needs, so you don’t waste any.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board recommends you wash the outside of whole watermelons before slicing. In educating consumers, they also provide an easy way to remove watermelon seeds from the melon.

 They recommend cutting the melon lengthwise in half then cut each half crosswise into quarters. Cut each quarter into three or four lengthwise wedges. With the flesh of each wedge on top and the rind sitting on the counter, notice a row of seeds along the flesh of each wedge, about two-thirds up from the countertop. Use a long paring or utility knife and cut along this seed line removing the strip of flesh above it. Scrape the seeds from the remaining flesh that still remain attached to the rind.