As a southern girl, I love watermelon. Summertime hasn’t really started until I finally get my teeth into the first sweet, ripe, juicy watermelon of the year. Watermelon is a major crop for south Georgia, so it’s easy to find local watermelon all summer around here. In the past couple of weeks, I found myself with two big ol’ watermelons on hand and not enough mouths to help me work through them! I’ve been creative and made salads, frozen some, and now have made a beverage that might be a new favorite. Actually I got pinged by the Watermelon Board about a contest they’re having for drinks and was inspired to give it a go. They’re not sponsoring this post and I don’t expect to win, but I did enter, because you just never know. Either way, I think this is definitely a winner.![IMG_6257[1]](http://www.southernfriednutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_62571.jpg)
Watermelon Chia Chiller
- 2 cups cubed watermelon
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 Tbs chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (do not sub ground here)
Blend everything in the blender until slushy. Let sit 2 minutes (for the chia seeds to plump up). Pulse and divide into 2 cute glasses and share!
Watermelon is almost all water, so it’s incredibly hydrating. Like coconut water, it’s also a great source of potassium and a bit of sodium, which can be wonderfully refreshing when it’s hot and you’re sweaty. Chia seeds are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, plus they’re just fun. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and gives this drink a great zing. Feel free to add more if you like a little extra spice – and if you decided to add a little coconut rum, I wouldn’t blame you a bit. Let me know what you think!
