Watermelon is still in season; therefore, I refuse to give into the notion that summer is coming to an end. No produce defines hot summer days like its bright green and red hues. So, while Labour Day, the first days of school, and the official beginning of autumn all hover around the corner, my summer will end when watermelon season does. Ontario’s thirst-quenching fruit is usually available starting in mid-July, and you’ll find them until the first fall frosts.
Native to Southern African countries, watermelons aren’t just filled with water and sugar to keep you hydrated and cool. The luscious fruit is also packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and B12 and potassium. In addition, watermelon’s coral-red flesh is one of the best sources (better than tomatoes) of the antioxidant pigment Lycopene—a carotenoid phytonutrient known to benefit cardiovascular health.
Everyone remembers their first taste of DaiLo’s fried watermelon because you think you know what to expect, but yet you find your mind blown after the first bite. Then you go back for another bite—but it’s more like a double take to make sure it really happened. The pieces of bright red fruit, hidden underneath a crunchy layer of garlic and savory sambal, remain sweet, crunchy, and refreshing. The dish is served with bean sprouts, fresh basil leaves, tangy pickled melon rind, and laced with pork floss.
If you’re looking to buy melons straight from the source, head to Thames River Melons (Post City editor, David Ort, says they’re the best!) near Innkerkip, Ontario. Located an hour-and-a-half from the city, between Toronto and London, owner and farmer Rob has been growing melons for over 30 years. They also have stands set up at various farmers' markets including the Thursday market at North York’s Mel Lastman Square. Just tell the Thames River team when you want to eat your melon—they grow everything from sugarbabies and sangria melons to seedless and yellow ones—and then they’ll select the one that will be perfectly ripe on the day you’ve chosen! While you’re there, you’ll also find Muskmelon—the Canadian name for cantaloupes—, which are also in season.
Sai Sumar is a PostCity.com columnist, who reports on Ontario produce and the Toronto menus to find it on. Follow her on Instagram or get in touch via Twitter to see what’s in season, what she’s eating, and what her cats are doing.
