Xigua (pronounced “she gwah”) is a very common food that is loved by most Americans – but we know it well by another name. The name Xigua is the Chinese for what we know in America as the Watermelon, and it is commonly found in Africa. This melon can be considered both a fruit and a vegetable. It is a fruit because it grows from a seed,  but it is also considered a vegetable because it is harvested and cleared from the field like other vegetables and because it is a member of the same family as the cucumbers, pumpkin and squash.

 

Xigua contains high amounts of Lycopene which gives it a pink color and it contains both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory abilities. The juice of this melon is also well known to relieve the soreness in muscles.  Full of hydrating properties, it is no wonder why this is a favorite snack in the summer time!  March, April and May are the best times to get one, hurry before its too late!

 

Here is a refreshing drink with our exotic Xigua fruit, Cheers!

 

 

Watermelon Coconut Froth

Makes 3 Drinks

Ingredients:

2 cups watermelon chunks

1/3 cup light coconut milk

2 tablespoons coconut flakes

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

3-4 ice cubes

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. To rim the glasses, dip the rim in water and then in lose coconut flakes.

Nutrition:

Serving size: 1serving

Calories per serving: 211

Fat per serving: 10.5g

Saturated fat per serving: 9.5g

Fiber per serving: 2.6g

 

Recipes found at: http://www.watermelon.org/