Melon Infused Water

July 12, 2020
by Ginger Hultin MS RDN

Many of my clients have a goal to drink more water. Hydration comes up often in nutrition counseling because it affects so many aspects of health. People who exercise regularly need more fluids to replace what they lose through sweat. Others notice headaches, fatigue, or difficulty concentrating when they are not drinking enough water throughout the day.

Another common challenge is replacing other beverages. Many people are trying to cut back on soda, energy drinks, sugary juices, or even alcohol and want simple alternatives that still feel enjoyable.

That is where melon infused water can help.

Adding fresh fruit to water is an easy way to add natural flavor without added sugar or artificial ingredients. A simple pitcher of melon infused water in the refrigerator can make staying hydrated much more appealing.

Why Infused Water Helps You Drink More

Plain water is the best choice for hydration, but some people find it boring or hard to drink consistently. Infused water adds subtle flavor and makes water feel more refreshing.

Fruit infused water can help:

• Encourage better hydration habits
• Replace sugary drinks
• Add a refreshing flavor to plain water
• Make it easier to reach daily fluid goals

If you struggle to drink enough water, keeping a pitcher of infused water in the refrigerator can make a big difference.

I share more strategies in another post on the blog about how to drink more water when you do not like it, where I cover simple tips that many of my clients find helpful.

If you enjoy fruit infused water, you might also like my pineapple, cucumber, mint infused water, which is another refreshing combination that works well in the summer.

Why Melon Works So Well for Infused Water

Melon is one of the best fruits to use in infused water because it has a naturally sweet, light flavor that blends well with water. Cantaloupe in particular works beautifully for this recipe. It adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the water.

Melon also releases flavor quickly, so you do not need to wait hours before enjoying your infused water. Another bonus is that melon is naturally high in water, which makes it an especially refreshing fruit.

Nutritional Benefits of Melon

Melon is not only refreshing, it is also rich in nutrients. One cup of cantaloupe contains about 50 calories and provides a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Cantaloupe is especially high in:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Folate
• Vitamin B6

The bright orange color of cantaloupe is a sign that it contains beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that the body converts to vitamin A. Because melon is naturally sweet and hydrating, it also makes a great snack when you want something refreshing.

I also enjoy adding melon to smoothies like my melon vanilla smoothie recipe on the blog.

How to Cut a Melon for Infused Water

Cutting a melon can feel intimidating at first because of its round shape and seeds inside, but it is actually quite simple once you know the steps.

Before cutting any melon, it is important to wash the outside of the rind under running water. Melons are handled by many people during harvesting, transport, and grocery shopping, so washing the outside helps reduce the risk of transferring bacteria to the inside of the fruit when you cut it.

Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the melon. This creates a flat surface so the melon sits securely on your cutting board.

Next, use a sharp knife to carefully slice away the rind. Work your way around the melon in sections, removing the green outer layer while keeping as much of the fruit as possible.

Once the rind is removed, cut the melon in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.

From there, you can slice the melon into cubes. For melon infused water, you only need about one cup of cubes, which means you will have plenty of melon left for snacks or other recipes.

A Simple Way to Stay Hydrated

Sometimes small changes can make healthy habits easier.

Keeping a pitcher of melon infused water in the refrigerator is a simple way to encourage better hydration. When water tastes refreshing and is easy to grab, it becomes much easier to reach for it throughout the day.

Whether you are trying to drink more water, replace sugary drinks, or simply enjoy something refreshing, melon infused water is a beautiful and easy option.

Melon Infused Water

Course:
Beverage, water
Cuisine:
beverage
Keyword:
melon infused water
Servings:
6 cups
Author:
Ginger Hultin

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped ripe cantaloupe
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 64 ounces cold, filtered water

Instructions

    1. Place half of the ice cubes in a large pitcher then add the cantaloupe. Top it with the rest of the ice and then fill it with water and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, refiling with water and ice as needed.

Nutrition

Serving:
1 cup
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Calories:
kcal
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