The Trick For Super Juicy Watermelon Is In Your Pantry

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Folks who grew up in the American South learned from their papaws and meemaws that a little salt on watermelon hits just right on a summer day. To those West Coasters or people north of the Mason-Dixon line, however, sprinkling salt on watermelon may sound downright weird. To all the doubters, we say: don't knock it 'til you've tried it. It's not just a peculiar regional tradition, though. Salting watermelon enhances the sweetness of the fruit, counteracting any bitterness in the melon, because salt affects the way your taste buds read those natural sugars. Furthermore, salted watermelon is nature's perfect electrolyte-boosting snack: it's refreshing and full of fluid, while the salts can help replenish your hydration levels when you're outside sweating in the heat. Perhaps most importantly, however, salt draws the moisture from the watermelon to the surface, ensuring that each chomp you take is absolutely dripping with juiciness.

When you stop to really think about it, sprinkling salt on watermelon isn't as outlandish as it may first seem. It's become popular to add the spicy seasoning Tajín to watermelon, which adds a savory, acidic component. And TikTok's beloved watermelon salad mixes the fruit with feta cheese, which is definitely long on saltiness. Sweet and salty is a classic flavor combination, showing up in everything from Cracker Jack caramel popcorn to candied bacon. Nor do Southerners hold an exclusive patent on salted watermelon, as it is also enjoyed in the similarly hot and humid climate of some Southeast Asian countries.

If you are open to the idea of salted watermelon, you don't really need any special ingredients, just salt and watermelon. Cold fruit will taste best, so consider chilling it for at least an hour before consuming it. Whether you prefer watermelon slices or chunks is immaterial and will not affect your enjoyment of this seasonal snack. Likewise, both seeded and seedless melons will shine under some salt. And while the cylindrical shaker of generic table salt in your spice cabinet will get the job done just fine, for an exquisite treat consider some flaky Maldon sea salt or even set out a gourmet salt sampler so your loved ones can experiment and find a new favorite.

Watermelon isn't the only fruit of its ilk that you can savor with a bit of salt, either. Honeydew and cantaloupe are both enhanced in similar ways by a sprinkle, especially if you chase the bite with a squeeze of lime juice. Sweet, salty, and acidic ... now, you are working some real culinary magic! Juicy summer melons are a seasonal pleasure on par with cookouts and long afternoons in the swimming pool. With a dash of salt, your hot-weather repast will be even more enjoyable than before.