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Watermelon Juice

Also known as Watermelon Juice (Nigerian Fresh Summer Drink)

Fresh Watermelon Juice is one of the most widely consumed seasonal drinks in Nigeria — made during the abundant watermelon season (December to May) when Nigerian watermelons are at their most spectacular. Nigerian watermelons, particularly those grown in the Middle Belt and Northern regions, are exceptionally large, deeply crimson-fleshed and intensely sweet.

Watermelon Juice, Nigerian cooking

Ingredients

  • Half a big fresh ripe watermelon — deeply red flesh, very sweet
  • Juice of half a lemon or lime — to brighten and preserve
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • A small piece of fresh ginger — optional, for a slight spiced note
  • Fresh mint leaves — optional garnish

Method

  1. 01

    Preparing the Watermelon. Remove the watermelon flesh from the rind. Cut into large chunks. Remove any visible seeds — Nigerian watermelons often have seeds that should be removed before blending to avoid a bitter taste.

  2. 02

    Blending. Place the watermelon chunks in a blender — a very large blender or blend in batches. If using ginger, add the small piece now. Blend at high speed for 1 to 2 minutes until completely smooth and liquefied.

  3. 03

    Straining — Optional. For a perfectly smooth juice, strain through a fine sieve. For a juice with the natural watermelon pulp retained, serve unstrained. Both approaches are valid.

  4. 04

    Finishing. Add the lemon or lime juice. Stir well. Taste — if the watermelon was very sweet and ripe, no sugar is needed. Add a very small amount of sugar only if necessary.

  5. 05

    Serving. Pour over ice in large glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

More traditional drinks