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Easy Watermelon Juice
Since watermelon is over 90% water, it's easy to create a refreshing glass of watermelon juice from just a few pieces of fruit. This is a great way to use extra fruit from that huge watermelon your preschooler couldn't pass up at the supermarket! Use a blender or simply press watermelon pieces through a strainer. Your preschooler will have fun turning watermelon into juice and get a healthy serving of vitamins at the same time!
Simple No-Blender Watermelon Juice
Cut watermelon into small cubes or pieces, removing any seeds.
Find a strainer that fits snugly over a bowl or cup. Let your preschooler press each piece of watermelon into the strainer. Watch the juice trickle out!
You'll need about 1 cup of pieces to create a cup-ful of refreshing juice!
Frozen Blender Watermelon Juice
When you have more watermelon than you can eat, cut into pieces, remove the seeds, and place them in a container or foil to freeze.When you want to make some juice, place about 1 cup of the frozen watermelon pieces in a blender and quickly blend until liquefied.
More Watermelon Drink Ideas
Lemon-melon-ade - Add two tablespoons of fresh watermelon juice to a glass of lemonade.
Watermelon Smoothie - For one large serving, blend together 1 cup of the frozen watermelon pieces with 1/2 cup yogurt or cottage cheese. Add a couple teaspoons sugar or honey for added sweetness.
Watermelon Nutrition
One cup of watermelon pieces has:
0 grams fat
11.5 grams carbohydrate
0.6 grams dietary fiber
9.5 grams sugar
12 milligrams vitamin C (50-80% of your preschooler's daily needs)
865 IU vitamin A (more than twice your preschooler's daily needs!)
Antioxidant Bonus: Of all fresh fruits and vegetables, watermelon has the most lycopene - a carotenoid (form of vitamin A) that acts as an antioxidant. Some studies have shown that eating a diet rich in lycopene may protect against certain diseases, including cancer.
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by Kati Chevaux
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