![\"Summer,](\"http:\/\/cookwithgusto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/firenze-2104753_1280.jpg\")
<\/a>The question\u00a0is…<\/p>\n
How can Italians survive these temperatures?<\/p>\n
Most people who live and work in the city get out as fast as they can when summer comes, and head for the coast.<\/p>\n
But, how can you cool down your body when the temperature is so high?<\/p>\n
The answer is:<\/p>\n
WATERMELON AND CANTALOUPE<\/h2>\n
Watermelon and cantaloupe are a refrigerant food that can cool you down a few degrees when consumed. The\u00a0cooling effect comes from its component citrulline, which is converted to arginine in the body.<\/p>\n
The watermelon and cantaloupe are two of the most beloved fruits during the Summer, thanks to their freshness and richness in water and mineral salts.\u00a0Both are part of the Cucurbitaceae Family, such as cucumbers, zucchini and squash.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Watermelon was already known in Egypt, where the folk was convinced that it was created by the God Seth. It was one of the gifts, which were buried with the Faraon after his death.<\/p>\n Watermelons are usually round and very big, reaching frequently 20 or 25Kg of weight. The biggest watermelon was grown in Tennessee and it won the Guinness World Record\u00a0with 132Kg of weight!!<\/p>\n The watermelon ripens between June and September, for that reason is a symbol of Summer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cantaloupe originated in Asia, which is still the major producer of this fruit, followed by Italy, Spain and France. There are different species of Cantaloupe, and some of them are common in Winter, called only as “Melon”.<\/p>\n Watermelon and Cantaloupe are very low in calories, around 30 per 100gr. fHowever, they are full of vitamins and mineral salts. Some of the most important health benefits of\u00a0Watermelon and Cantaloupe are:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n On the other hand, watermelon is lacking in Sodium<\/strong>, preventing the cellulitis. It also helps the weight loss.<\/p>\n In Italy, Cantaloupe is also used in savoury dishes. The most typical match is with prosciutto and mozzarella, but you can also try it diced\u00a0in cold chicken or turkey salads,\u00a0with cold brown rice, and in sweet and sour salads made with fruits, veggies and legumes<\/p>\n The key to purchasing a good quality watermelon and cantaloupe is to find one that is ripe.<\/p>\n One good sign is to simply pick it up and feel its weight. Does it feel fuller and heavier than you would expect it to?<\/p>\n If so, that’s a good thing, because it’s an indication of the ripeness!<\/p>\n<\/a>Watermelon<\/h2>\n
<\/a>Cantaloupe<\/h2>\n
<\/a>HEALTH BENEFITS<\/h2>\n
<\/a>\n
A TYPICAL SUMMER DISH<\/h2>\n
<\/a>HOW TO SELECT A GOOD ONE?<\/h2>\n