Oftentimes, we go to great caloric lengths to cool down, whether it’s slurping down a fluorescent margarita by the pool or downing a teetering ice cream cone. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
If there’s anything that melon’s good for, it’s cooling you down. And the refreshing capabilities of cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon go far beyond the category’s prominent presence in fruit salad. On the contrary, melon does wonders in a salad, adds creaminess to a cool soup or can be transformed into something entirely unexpected. Melon fettuccini, anyone? Unlike other ultra-tangy, sugary fruits, melon serves as a foundation for bigger things. Seriously, the options are endless.
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- Is your melon safe?
The recent Listeria outbreak has made us aware that our food supply isn’t as safe as we may think. This isn’t the first time melon has caused illness or even death. Here’s a look at melon outbreaks and simple tips to keep your loved ones safe.
Past Melon Outbreaks
Sliced melon is no stranger to foodborne illness. It’s considered a potentially hazardous food, meaning a food that has the ability for bacteria to grow and thrive. One of the most memorable stories I can recall happened in 2000. A 2-year old girl fell ill and died after eating at a Milwaukee Sizzler. Although the girl never ate the E. Coli tainted ground beef, it was argued that the sliced melon she ate contained the bacteria. The alleged faux pas made during preparation was cross-contamination.
The recent outbreak of cantaloupe has shed light on the importance of keeping melon safe. As of today, 133 people have become ill and 28 have died throughout 26 states from Listeria-tainted cantaloupe. Although Jensen Farms in Colorado recalled the cantaloupes on September 14, symptoms of Listeria can take up to 2 months to appear. So the numbers can still go up through November.
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- This month, get your orange veggie fix in the pumpkin patch!
Throughout the day you should eat a rainbow of foods — red, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple and white. Each color is rich in specific nutrients that help make a well-balanced diet. In this series we’ll tell you why each color is important, and with Halloween around the corner, we thought it was most appropriate to start with orange. Find out how to get some on your plate every day.
How to get your daily dose of orange »
- Dana's 5-Ingredient Melon Soup
It’s been a hot and humid summer – cool off with this refreshing and light no-cook soup. It’s a snap to make, and has only 5 ingredients.
Get the simple no-cook soup recipes »
- Grilled Watermelon Salad
Nothing says summer like biting into a wedge of juicy melon, from cantaloupe to watermelon to casaba. While simple snacking is tasty, we’ve got five more ways to devour this seasonal goodie.
5 more ways to love melon »
Growing up, I had a pet cat who was obsessed with cantaloupe. I was never sure if cantaloupe was acceptable feline fare, but she lived to be 14, so I guess it didn’t hurt. One thing I do know is that the cool, juicy melon is definitely good humans! Scoop some up now while it’s in season.
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From the headlines this week: a 2,000-calorie milkshake, more food recalls, an unexpected post-workout snack, weight loss for pet owners and more.
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