Use This Unexpected Seasoning To Sweeten Up Your Watermelon

Ask anyone which fruit they are reminded of when they think of the summer season; chances are, they'll say watermelon. The juicy, watery, seeded fruit is a popular thirst quencher in the hot summer heat, appearing at many barbecues, family gatherings, and Fourth of July parties. Watermelon is definitely a summertime staple.

Not only is watermelon a well-loved fruit, but it also has health benefits worth noting. According to Healthline, watermelon contains vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A. The fruit also boasts antioxidants and amino acids that combat free radicals and might even help improve exercise performance.

While you may think you know how to serve melon, there's one unexpected ingredient you've been missing. This surprising element sweetens up the juiciest of slices and transforms your watermelon into an extra special treat. There are lots of strange food combinations in the world, and this definitely deserves to be on the list.

You may have seen people sprinkle salt on a slice of watermelon. If you haven't considered doing the same, once you find a ripe watermelon, you should. According to Wide Open Eats, Southerners have been salting watermelon for over a century, and for a good reason: It elevates the flavor of the fruit and helps rehydrate the body.

Salt elevates the taste of watermelon in a few ways. According to Allrecipes, watermelon has a tart, almost bitter taste, especially ones that are underripe. Salt balances out this bitter flavor and allows the sweetness to shine through. The seasoning can also help with summertime dehydration. Salt replenishes the sodium depleted in your body when you sweat (via Medical News Today). Salt also resupplies your body with lost electrolytes.

Salt is well-known for balancing out even the most bitter flavors. Brussels sprouts, kale, and even coffee benefit from the savoriness of salt. Chef Alton Brown recommends adding salt to your coffee to tame the bitterness and smooth the flavor.

The next time you cut into a watermelon, elevate the flavor by grabbing the salt shaker, too.