Heading into the sweltering, terrible part of summer (did I mention I’m a winter person?) there are a few ways to keep cool. But probably the universal favorite and most delicious way is to eat watermelon. Simple, easy to grow, and super sweet, watermelon is a staple for a reason.

Never mind that is has thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, choline, lycopene and betaine.

Plus it comes in two fun colors, pink and yellow. The pink is standard, but I’ve found that yellow watermelon is sweeter and makes a nice change from the pink stuff. So you’ve got two colours of watermelon, but how do you make them more exciting?

Ways to Consume Watermelon this summer

1. Watermelon Water

Cold pressed juice is something you crave during summer. It’s just fact. It’s hot so you want to drink, but it’s also imperative to keep sugary drinks to a minimum. WRTRMLN WTR is full of electrolytes – it’s got 6 times the amount of a regular sports drink. It’s got more potassium than a banana and helps prevent cramps. Essentially, it’s your summer workout drink.

2. Grilled Watermelon with Feta

Can I talk about how much I love a salty/sweet combination? Or even making sweet things savory? The watermelon and feta means it’s a light meal and the barbeque cuts some of the sweetness of the melon.

Cut the watermelon into half-inch triangle wedges, leaving the rind on the base. Place directly onto a medium-high heat grill for one to two minutes a side. Remove from grill, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and honey. Then top with crumbled feta, and season with dried oregano, sea salt & pepper.

3. Watermelon Slushy Cocktail

Blend chunks of watermelon and pour them into an ice cube tray. Freeze this tray. When these are frozen, blend them in a blender with 1/3 cup of watermelon water, half of the juice of a lemon, add an ounce (or two) of vodka. Garnish with mint. Enjoy.

4. Watermelon Tomato Salsa

1 cup watermelon, finely diced
6 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/2 large white onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and minced
Handful of fresh cilantro, leaves only
1 lime, juiced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste

5. Watermelon Pops.

Remember in #3 when I told you to freeze the watermelon? Instead of blending them once they’re frozen, eat them as they are. Half the work.

6. Pickled Watermelon Rind

7. Watermelon Rind Fries