Watermelon is a summer staple almost everywhere, but different countries have their own unique ways of enjoying it. Kursiv LifeStyle has gathered some unusual pairings—from salt and feta to chili and strawberry milk... reports the website infohub.kz.
In Kazakhstan and Russia, watermelon is commonly eaten with bread. The sweet fruit and the neutral taste of bread make a familiar combination for many. This tradition is partly rooted in Soviet food culture, where bread was often served with almost any dish. In neighboring Uzbekistan, bread is replaced with flatbreads.
In Japan, watermelon is sometimes sprinkled with salt. It is believed that a small amount of seasoning enhances the fruit's sweetness.
In Greece, watermelon is paired with feta cheese. The sweetness and juiciness of the watermelon contrast with the salty flavor of the cheese. This combination is used in summer dishes and salads.
In Mexico, watermelon may be served with lime juice, chili, paprika, and salt. The fruit is cut into slices or large chunks, then seasoned. The result is a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors.
In South Korea, watermelon is used to make cold drinks and desserts. One option is watermelon cubes with ice, Sprite, and strawberry milk. Overall, it is very similar to Korean punch, hwachae. Alongside watermelon, the bowl typically includes mango, pieces of pitahaya (dragon fruit), or even gummy candies.
In August, Vice Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov explained how to choose the best watermelon at markets. Among the signs of ripeness, he mentioned a yellow spot on the rind, the shape of the fruit, and the condition of the stem.
Earlier, Kursiv LifeStyle wrote about an even more unusual snack that went viral on social media—a club sandwich that uses two slices of watermelon instead of bread.