Our two-year-old loves watermelon. Actually, that may be an understatement. Ever since I gave her her first tiny wedge about a year ago, she can’t get enough of the stuff. She’ll polish off three little wedges in her high chair and then point longingly at the kitchen and say “Wahmelon! Mah wahmelon pleeeeese!” Since she said pleeeeese, I give her three more slices. And then three more.
She certainly doesn’t waste any, either, devouring the watermelon right down to the white rind. She’d probably gnaw the white part all the way down to the green outer skin if we let her.
What my little watermelon lover knows (because I told her and she’s incredibly smart) is that the white rind actually contains a greater concentration of nutrients (fiber, potassium, citrulline) than the red flesh of the watermelon. That’s because the rind contains less water and is a bit denser than the flesh. No, it doesn’t taste nearly as good, but our little one doesn’t seem to care.
Your 2 year old is very smart. She could love stuff that’s not nearly as good for her or delicious as watermelon.
I learned something new today about this awesome fruit,thanks!!
Yes, she’s frighteningly smart, Ellen. She can count to ten in Spanish. I’m in my late 30s and I have trouble with that!