Watermelon, especially if it’s slightly underripe or not very flavorful, can have a subtle bitterness and tartness beneath its sweetness. Adding salt helps to cut through these bitter notes, making the sweetness more prominent and enhancing each bite.
Salt isn’t just beneficial for watermelon; it can also improve the flavor of other naturally bitter foods like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale. Salt helps balance these foods’ bitterness and enhance their desirable flavors.
Similarly, fruits such as grapefruit and cranberries, which have a bit of bitterness, benefit from a touch of salt to bring out their natural sweetness.
Salting watermelon also improves its texture. A small amount of salt draws the liquid to the surface, making each bite juicier and sweeter. Some people prefer to salt their watermelon slices and let them sit for a few minutes to let the salt work its magic before eating.
**How to Salt Watermelon:**
To enhance your watermelon, simply sprinkle a small amount of coarse or flake salt on it. Start with a light touch and add more if desired. While table salt works, flake salt often provides a better flavor balance.
For a twist, try flavored salts at your summer gatherings. Flavored salt samplers offer a fun way to experiment without committing to large quantities of one type.
**Other Salty Foods to Pair with Watermelon:**
While the combination of watermelon and salt is often associated with Southern cuisine, it’s not a new idea. Salt or tangy condiments on bitter fruits have long been appreciated.
Experiment with citrus-flavored salts like lemon or lime, or enhance the sweet-salty contrast with honey-infused salt. For a spicy kick, consider ghost pepper salt, reminiscent of the popular mango and Tajín pairing.
Cheeses such as feta and halloumi also complement watermelon well, adding a salty contrast that boosts the fruit’s sweetness. Grilling watermelon can similarly intensify its sweetness along the charred lines.
If you’re watching your sodium intake, fresh lemon or lime juice can offer a citrusy zing. Cucumber, another naturally bitter food, can balance watermelon’s sweetness effectively, highlighting the melon’s natural flavor.
Regardless of the salt or seasoning you choose, you’ll likely find yourself preferring the enhanced taste over plain watermelon.
