[Image] Were already into the heat of summer in North Texas, so anything we can do to stay cool is always a welcome relief. Along with summer comes the abundance of fresh summer fruit, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries and watermelons. 
A sure sign that summer is in full swing is when you see watermelons popping up in the supermarket and on roadside stands. Not only are watermelons refreshing and delicious, but they're the perfect addition to any backyard barbecue and 4th of July celebration.  
To kick off the start of watermelon season I have easy Watermelon - Strawberry Smoothie to share with y'all. I love eating watermelon, but most times I end up with a lot of leftovers. This smoothie is the perfect recipe to use up all that leftover watermelon that you  have sitting in the fridge.  
I usually purchase my watermelons at the farmers market or road side stand, but did you know that Walmart carries locally grown watermelons? I was unaware that the watermelons in my Walmart were locally grown, so that was a nice surprise.
[Image] I love the satisfaction of purchasing produce that is grown in my home state of Texas. I can't always get to a local farm, but with the help of Walmart I can purchase locally grown produce at my local store with a 100% Fresh Guarantee. As a consumers and a mom I believe that all of us can make a difference by supporting our local farms. 

Not only does locally grown produce taste better, but supporting our local farmers will ensure that there will be farms in our community today, tomorrow and for future generations to come. To find local produce in your Walmart look for the locally grown signage, and stickers on produce to get all the great produce locally grown in your state.

Before you head to the store to pick up a watermelon, here are a few tips on how to select the perfect one. Lift it up: The watermelon should be heavy for its size, as this indicates that it is full of water (average of 92%) and therefore nice and ripe Inspect the color: A perfect, ripe watermelon should be dark green in color and dull in appearance, rather than shiny. A shiny watermelon will usually mean it is under ripe.  Look for the field spot: The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, known as the field spot. This is where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun, so the darker it is the better. If the field spot is white, or even nonexistent, this probably means that the watermelon was picked too soon, and will not be ripe. [Image] Once you get that ripe watermelon home you can cut it up in slices to eat or make a yummy fruity summer drink that is if you have any left. In the summer we go through a lot of watermelon, so we usually have leftovers after a big barbecue or get together.

[Image] To make this Watermelon-Strawberry Smoothie you will need the following ingredient: Watermelon chunks, frozen strawberries (I used fresh strawberries that I had frozen), almond milk (soy or coconut will work), crushed ice and honey or agave nectar. You can also add a sliced banana that has been frozen for added sweetness, but that's optional.
[Image] This one is easy peasy my friends. Just toss everything in the blender, and blend till smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

[Image] If you're looking for a few more summer watermelon recipes check out this easy Watermelon Agua Fresca (Watermelon Fruit Water) and these tasty Tequila Soaked Watermelon Wedges. Stop by your local Walmart and pick up a seedless watermelon ($3.48) today.    



Watermelon - Strawberry Smoothie

2 - cups watermelon chunks 1 - cup whole frozen strawberries
1 - banana (sliced then frozen), optional 1/4 - cup almond milk 1 - cup crushed ice  honey or agave nectar, to taste

In a blender, add watermelon chunks, frozen strawberries, almond milk and crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Add the honey or agave syrup to taste and blend again until smooth. Serve immediately.

Recipe yields: 2 servings

Cook's Note: Fresh strawberries can be used, but you might need to use additional crushed ice or freeze them first. Sometimes I add frozen banana slices (about 1 banana) for added sweetness.

Check out my fellow Walmart Moms blogs for more great Watermelon recipes: 
Watermelon Granita - Amy at Mom Advice
Watermelon Margarita - Nicole at Presley's Pantry
Watermelon Salsa - Tara at Unsophisticook 
Watermelon Jelly Stars - Renee at Cutie Booty Cakes 
 
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