Cantaloupe Gazpacho: Quick And Easy Recipe
Cantaloupe melon is a light and refreshing fruit that is perfect for gazpacho. In this article, we present a great and easy recipe for making cantaloupe gazpacho, and we also tell you about the nutritional value of this melon.
Cantaloupe gazpacho
Few foods are as easy to prepare as gazpacho. It is a summer soup that cools the feeling and is at the same time very nutritious.
It is a typical dish in southern Spain and Portugal. The main ingredients in its original version are tomato, cucumber and paprika. All regions and households have their own ways of making this summer soup. You too can come up with your own way.
This quick and easy dish has become super popular. There are many options available today that include avocado, cherries, watermelon and yes, you guessed it, cantaloupe.
Gazpacho is a great light appetizer or just a nutritious summer snack. It’s just one way to benefit from this healthy fruit that has such a special and sweet taste.
Ingredients in two portions
- 1 clove of garlic
- 375 grams of cantaloupe melon
- 1 small green pepper
- 1/2 slice cut bread (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 spring onion
- A pinch of salt and a pinch of ground white pepper
- 1 peeled cucumber
Add each ingredient to your taste. You can add other spices or fresh herbs.
Preparation instructions
- Peel and slice the clove of garlic first. Adjust the amount of garlic or omit it altogether if you don’t like it.
- Peel or wash the spring onion and cut it into four parts. Wash and then cut the peppers and peeled cucumber.
- Cut the cantaloupe melon into large pieces and then add all the ingredients to the blender. At this point, you can also add sliced bread if you want a slightly thicker texture. Season with salt and pepper and stir.
- Add the olive oil and stir until smooth. Do this for about two minutes.
- Taste and test whether the taste is pleasant. You do not need to add water to this mixture because the melon should have enough liquid. However, you can add water if you want a looser composition.
- Allow to season in the refrigerator for at least two hours and serve. However, the flavors will intensify if you leave it in the fridge overnight.
- Garnish portions with crispy Serrano ham slices, toasted bread cubes, hard-boiled eggs or finely chopped vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers and onions.
Cantaloupe gazpacho is a good appetizer or snack. It’s a great way to add fruits as well as vegetables to your meals.
Properties of Cantaloupe melon
Cucumis Melo or cantaloupe melon or cantaloupe belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae , i.e. cucumber plants. It grows almost everywhere in the world with hot and dry summers. There are many varieties.
They may vary in taste and sweetness, but generally their nutritional composition is almost identical. Therefore, we can list some of its general health properties.
Nutrient content
Cantaloupe contains about 90% water. It also contains vitamin C and folates, minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and carbohydrates in the form of sugars. Sweetness is one of the main properties of this fruit.
It promotes hydration of the body
It contains not only large amounts of water but also electrolytes. Therefore, it is ideal for hot summers or after intense exercise, when the risk of dehydration is usually higher.
It regulates blood pressure
A diet rich in fruits and vegetables is good for maintaining a stable blood pressure level. A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition shows that this may be due not only to a decrease in sodium intake but also to an increase in the presence of other minerals such as calcium and potassium.
The data is interesting because arterial blood pressure affects a large number of people in the world. In fact, it is currently one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Cantaloupe gazpacho contains antioxidants that help maintain vision
The orange and yellow colors of some melon species, such as cantaloupe, indicate the presence of beta-carotene. This fruit contains higher amounts of beta-carotenes than apricots, peaches, oranges and mangoes.
Carotenes are pigments that not only add color to food but also have many health properties. Your body converts them into vitamin A, and your body uses them for a number of functions, including:
- It is an antioxidant against free radicals that can damage cells.
- Improves the proper functioning of the immune system.
- It helps protect and improve your vision (this property is enhanced by lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants known for their ability to prevent age-related macular degeneration).
It helps maintain skeletal structure
Other nutrients are also essential for optimal bone health in addition to calcium and vitamin D. This is because bone loss is associated with various health problems such as osteoporosis and fractures.
Some studies reveal the importance of vitamin B, such as folates in cantaloupe. The low levels of these and vitamin B12, together with elevated homocysteine, have been associated with low bone density and an increased risk of fracture in the elderly.
Cantaloupe gazpacho is delicious and nutritious
In general, fruits are quite nutritious because they contain large amounts of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants your body needs. Therefore, doctors emphasize the importance of adding them to a normal diet.
This cantaloupe gazpacho is one of the best ways to add that melon to your diet. You can store it in the fridge for a few days and decorate just before serving.
Now that you’ve taken note of this delicious recipe, it’s time to expand your knowledge of cold soups!