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Anguria – A gift in the midst of summer heat

By July 17, 2024February 8th, 2025No Comments

Summer in Italy is a time of warm (understatement) weather, long days, and delicious food. As we know and appreciate, Italians eat and drink seasonally. Summer meals are typically light, refreshing, and perfect for enjoying al fresco. One fruit in particular shows up frequently during the heat of the Italian summer. Yes we wrote about this last summer, but it’s worth another plug: Anguria – a gift in the midst of summer’s relentless high temperatures.

 

pile of triangle slices of anguria

Anguria, or watermelon for those of us who do not speak the Italian language, is a vibrant and sexy fruit with its red flesh and sweet, juicy flavor, and is a beloved fruit in Italy. During the hot summer months, Italians turn to this refreshing fruit to create a variety of delicious and thirst-quenching dishes. Here are some popular watermelon dishes enjoyed throughout the country:

 

Acqua di Anguria (Watermelon Water):

This simple yet delightful drink is made by blending ripe watermelon with fresh water and a touch of sugar. The resulting liquid is a vibrant pink elixir that embodies the essence of summer.

 

watermelon water in small glasses

Italians often enjoy acqua di anguria as a refreshing alternative to traditional water, particularly during outdoor gatherings and beachside picnics. For added refreshment, add fresh mint leaves! Feeling frisky, add vodka or tequila!

 

Granita di Anguria (Watermelon Granita):

Granita di anguria is a frozen delight that combines the flavors of watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice. The mixture is churned until it reaches a semi-frozen state, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

 

anguria granita

This icy treat is often served as a palate cleanser or as a dessert course on hot summer evenings. Why not eat it for breakfast? What a great way to start the day.

 

Insalata di Anguria e Feta (Watermelon and Feta Salad):

This beautiful salad showcases the delightful relationship between sweet watermelon and briny feta cheese. Chunks of watermelon are tossed with crumbled feta, fresh mint leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.

 

Watermelon and feta salad

The combination of flavors is both refreshing and satisfying, making this salad a popular choice for light summer lunches or as a side dish at barbecues. Add a few pinches of cayenne pepper to elevate this dish to the next level

 

Sorbetto di Anguria (Watermelon Sorbet):

Sorbetto di anguria is a light and refreshing sorbet made with watermelon puree, sugar, and lemon juice. Unlike gelato, sorbetto does not contain any dairy, making it a vegan-friendly option. The delicate balance of sweet and tangy flavors makes this sorbet an ideal dessert for those seeking a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream.

These watermelon dishes are a testament to the Italians’ love for fresh, seasonal ingredients and their ability to transform simple flavors into culinary delights. Whether enjoyed as a thirst-quenching drink, a frozen treat, a savory salad, or a creamy dessert, watermelon dishes in Italy offer a delightful way to celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer. Give yourself the gift of Anguria!

 

anguria in summer pin

 

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