Dr. Honey Dew’s Juicing Melon Madness

June 16, 2011

Honeydew melons are known to be the ‘sweetest’ of all the melons. But when it comes to nutrition and health benefits, Dr. Honey Dew is in the house and honeydews are “sa-weet!”

Honey is Dewing Nutrition

Honeydew is a fantastic source Vitamin C providing over 53% of the recommended daily value. Vitamin C is vital in generation of collagen which promotes healthy and glowing skin. Vitamin C also protects your cells from free radicals that can damage cellular structure and DNA. That damage can lead to heart disease and cancer.

Honeydew is also kickin’ it when it comes to potassium, providing about 11% of the daily value. Potassium is a salt that balances the fluid and electrolyte levels in the body. Ever felt a bit peaked after being in the hot sun? Eating something high in potassium will get you back in to top shape. Potassium is used in every cell, tissue, and organ in the body.

The sweetness of honeydew continues with 8% of the daily value of folic acid, a beneficial B vitamin. Folic Acid is vital in fetal health and an important nutrient for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

And last but not least, honeydew is low in calorie at only 61 calories per 1 cup serving with enough fiber to maintain blood sugar levels. And because honeydew is about 90% water, it’s a great way to cleanse the body and boost the metabolism. Honeydew, along with other melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe are great for managing weight and health.

Dr. Honey Dew’s Melon Madness

¼ cantaloupe (rind and seeds removed)
¼ honeydew (rind and seeds removed)
¼ watermelon (rind removed)
Lemon or lime (optional)
Ice (optional)

Cut into juicer-shute sized pieces and juice. Add lemon or lime and ice for a summer afternoon cooler or drink at room temperature to balance your bodies temperature and electrolytes.

Click here to learn more about the cantaloupe.

Click here to find out about watermelon health benefits.

Choosing a Honeydew

Nutritionally, honeydews are at their best when ripe. However, honeydews have a small window of ripeness and are extremely perishable.

Choose a honeydew that you will eat almost immediately when ripe. It will be a creamy yellow color and the skin will feel a bit waxy. The melon will be firm with only a small amount of softness near the stem. A honeydew weighing in between 4-6 pounds is ideal. If you shake the melon, the seeds will rattle if the melon is exceedingly juicy. Avoid a melon that has dark spots, green skin, or one that feels too firm.

Preparation and Storage

Like cantaloupe, honeydews should be washed prior to cutting. This will remove any bacteria on the rind that could be transferred to the flesh. Remove all the seeds and strings and the rind.

Whole honeydews can be kept on your kitchen counter away from direct sunlight or extreme heat for 2-4 days or until ripe. The ripe yet whole honeydew is good in the fridge for up to 5 days. If cut, the melon is good for about 3 days as long as it is kept in a covered container.