Smoked Watermelon Ham a Unique Summer Treat

Just picture a watermelon sizzling on the grill, just like your favorite steak! Probably not something you’d ordinarily think of doing, right?

A chef in New York broke the internet by posting smoked watermelon ham on Instagram, describing it as savory and juicy.

This new invention has spread worldwide, with food enthusiasts trying out the smoked watermelon ham recipe.

If you don’t like the taste of fresh watermelon, why not try this new way of eating watermelon?

What is smoked watermelon ham?

This is watermelon covered in brine and seasoning, then smoked and garnished with spices.

Will Horowitz, a chef, and owner of Ducks Eatery restaurant in New York, invented smoked watermelon ham in 2018.

Looking at watermelon ham, you imagine the taste of spicy, juicy meat, but what does it taste like?

According to Will Harowitz, “The best way to describe the taste is that it’s smoky, savory, salty, hot and juicy, but it’s still watermelon, and that’s its beauty.”

Smoked watermelon ham nutrition

Now we know what smoked watermelon ham is and what it tastes like; let’s find out the nutritional facts.

A serving of smoked watermelon ham contains 291. 2 calories.

Here is the breakdown;

●2.05g Fat- 0.21 g of saturated fat

○0.85 g monounsaturated fat

○0.68 g polyunsaturated fat

●72.07g Carbohydrates

●3.95 Fiber

●61.33g Sugar

●4.02g Protein

●1427.88mg Sodium

●52,54mg Calcium

●887.39mg Potassium

●1.82mg Iron

●103.21 ug Vitamin A

●56.85mg Vitamin C   

Fats

Smoked watermelon ham contains little fat content making it a very healthy meal.

You can eat the seeds; they are a good source of omega -3 fatty acids, considered good fat.

Minerals and Vitamins

Fresh ripe watermelons contain more nutrients than smoked ones.

Nonetheless, a serving of smoked watermelon ham is rich in Vitamin A, and C.

Vitamin C boosts immunity in our bodies, helps in wound healing, and contains antioxidants that prevent the skin from wrinkles.

Watermelon contains biotin, Vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B1, and copper.

These are essential minerals that your body needs daily.

Protein

Watermelon contains less than a gram of protein.

You may want to serve smoked watermelon ham alongside a protein meal to have a complete diet.

Carbohydrates

Smoked watermelon ham contains more sugars than fiber.

The sugar converts to energy, keeping you active all day.

Fiber, on the other hand, is suitable for your gut health.

Health benefits of smoked Watermelon Ham

From the nutritional facts, watermelons are a rich source of Vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy body.

Here are some of the benefits of eating smoked watermelon ham.

Improved digestive system

Eating watermelon is like drinking water; it contains a high water content.

Fiber, a nutrient found in watermelon, is essential for a healthy digestive system.

It promotes regular bowel movement and prevents constipation.

Boosts brain function

Watermelon ham contains choline, a nutrient that is rich in antioxidants.

This nutrient is essential for :

●Brain development in children

●Maintaining cell membrane structures

●Boosts memory

●Nerve impulses transmission

●Muscle movement

Boosts metabolism

Research suggests that eating watermelons boosts metabolism by breaking carbohydrates into energy and keeps you hydrated all day.

Eating watermelon will keep you full and satiated for long.

Your body benefits in the following ways:

●Improved tummy weight

●Normal blood pressure

●Helps with weight management

●Increased levels of antioxidants in the blood

Helps prevent cancer

Watermelons are a rich source of Vitamin C, a mineral that prevents cancer by fighting free radicals in the body.

Free radicals cause certain cancers by damaging DNA cells.

Keeps you hydrated

Eating watermelon ham on a hot summer day will keep you hydrated because of its high water content.

Watermelon also provides electrolytes like potassium.

Good for skin health

The body needs VitaminC to produce Collagen, an essential mineral for immune function and cell structure.

Watermelon contains Vitamin C, which accelerates wound healing and promotes healthy skin.

Reduces inflammation

Many chronic illnesses are caused by inflammation.

Watermelon contains antioxidants (vitamin C and Lycopene) that help lower inflammation.

It helps reduce muscle soreness.

L -citrulline, a compound found in watermelon, boosts muscle relaxation, increases physical performance, and relieves muscle soreness.

Eat smoked watermelon ham before a gym session to boost your energy levels.

L-citrulline also helps prevent muscle pain.

Helps prevent Asthma

Lycopene, a compound found in watermelon, is rich in antioxidants that help our bodies fight colds and flu, reducing asthma attacks in children.

Eating watermelon could help you properly breathe in case of an asthma attack.

Recipe for smoked watermelon ham

From the benefits we have discussed, it’s clear that smoked watermelon ham is a meal worth eating regularly.

Let’s learn how to prepare this dish at home;

How to make the chipotle and honey glaze

We will use this chipotle and honey glaze to caramelize our watermelon, but first, let’s learn how to make it.

Ingredients

●Orange juice

●Minced garlic

●Kosher salt

●Canola oil

●Coconut sugar

●Fresh minced ginger

●Dijon mustard

●Worcestershire sauce

●Agave (raw)

●Chipotle in adobo (pureed)

Instructions

1.Heat canola oil at medium heat in a large pan.

2.Add ginger and garlic once the oil is hot.

3.Continuously stir until golden brown and smells good.

4.Add chipotle, mustard, orange juice, salt, Worcestershire sauce, honey, and sugar while constantly stirring.

5.Reduce the heat to medium and continue stirring for about twelve minutes.

6.Your glaze should be able to coat the spoon while you stir; pour in a bowl and leave it to cool.

How to make smoked watermelon ham

Ingredients

●Coconut sugar

●Smoked paprika

●A large watermelon (seedless0

●Garlic powder

●Soaked hickory chips

●Chili powder

●Kosher salt

●Onion powder

●Black pepper (freshly ground)

●cloves(ground)

●Garnish ( thyme sprigs, orange or fresh rosemary)

Instructions

1.Carefully remove the watermelon rind to remain with flesh shaped like a flat-based football.

2.Put the watermelon on your work surface or chopping board.

3.Make inch-deep slices on top of the watermelon.

4.Add coconut sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, onion, cloves, and garlic powder in a bowl and mix.

5.Carefully rub the spice mixture all over your watermelon.

6.Put your watermelon on a baking sheet and refrigerate for twelve hours uncovered. Not covering it will remove excess moisture and allow the spices to sip in.

7.Preheat the oven to 230 degrees celsius

8.Remove your soaking hickory chips and drain the water leaving it a bit wet.

9.Smear the wet chips on a roasting pan and put them on a rack inside the oven.

10.Place your watermelon on the pan and cover with aluminum foil.

11.Bake the watermelon for about 30 minutes. Tighten the foil to keep the smoke inside while it bakes.

12.Lower the oven temperature to 120 degrees Celsius and bake for another 3 hours.

13.Remove the foil and roast for 3 hours again.

14.Turn the broiler on to a high temperature.

15.Remove your watermelon from the baking sheet, drain excess liquid, and put it on a baking pan.

16.Brush the chipotle and honey glaze you made on top of the watermelon.

17.For about 12 minutes, broil and rotate the pan until the honey and chipotle glaze caramelize.

18.Remove your watermelon from the oven and leave it to cool.

19.Transfer the watermelon to a serving plate with garnish.

20.Smear your watermelon with the honey and chipotle glaze while still warm.

21.You can serve the remaining glaze on the side and enjoy!

Interesting facts about watermelon

●There are 1,200 types of watermelons.

●You can eat the whole watermelon, including the rind; it’s healthy.

●Watermelons were first grown in Egypt more than 5,000 years ago

●The heaviest watermelon was grown in 2013, weighing 350.5 lbs.

●Some types of watermelons require 130 warm days to be fully ripe.

●Watermelons are healthy; they don’t contain cholesterol and fat.

●China is the largest producer of watermelon in the world.

●Some types of watermelons have yellow, green, or orange flesh.

●The United States has a whole month dedicated to watermelons.

●Seedless watermelons are hybrid.

●Hostesses in China are offered watermelons as gifts.

●In terms of weight, watermelons are the most consumed fruit in the United States.

●Watermelons are called ‘Citrullus Lanatus’ scientifically.

●Watermelon juice helps with muscle tension.

●In ancient years, Egyptians placed watermelons on tombs to cleanse the souls of the dead.

●Because watermelons contain citrulline, it’s known as a natural viagra.

●Watermelons are classified as both fruit and vegetables

●Japanese grow watermelons in a glass box to make them cubed.

●Watermelons grow in the wild in South Africa.

●Watermelons contain 92% water.

●Watermelon is served with feta cheese in Israel and Egypt.

●Cucumbers and pumpkins are relatives of watermelons.

●Watermelons contain more lycopene(a nutrient that contains antioxidants) than tomatoes.

Frequently asked questions about smoked watermelon ham.

How do you cure watermelon?

Put watermelon in a sheet pan, season with salt, and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Remove watermelon from the refrigerator and garnish, then serve.

What does smoked watermelon ham taste like?

Smoked watermelon ham tastes smoky, savory, hot, and juicy. It looks like smoked ham but tastes like watermelon.

Conclusion

What a unique way to eat watermelon; you should try this at home this summer.

Surprise your friends and family with this smoked watermelon ham and see their reactions.

Serve it as dessert after that wonderful dinner.

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