Gas Pains

Tom grew up in Milwaukee, bartended in Wauwatosa in the '70s and moved here in 1984.

Commentary, observations and musings about the outdoors, life in general and maybe Tosa politics and personalities will be the order of the day. He savors a lively debate as much as terrific cooking.

The Little Melon that Could

Gardening

Did you know that your garden variety watermelon is loaded with important antioxidants?

Not only is it an excellent source of vitamin C - but it is a very good source of vitamin A.  These powerful antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing free radicals.  (Take that Abbie Hoffman)

Free radicals are the stuff that can mess with your metabolism and cause all sorts of problems.  For instance they oxidize cholesterol and make it stick to your blood vessel walls leading to nasty things like heart attacks or strokes.  

I have learned that watermelon is a very good source of carotenoid lycopene - which happens to be one of those very powerful antioxidants.  In-fact, your average serving of watermelon has more lycopene than any other fresh fruit or vegetable - even tomatoes!  

Good news for me since my tomato crop has been a stunning disappointment. 

Remember this little melon?

Oh sure.  You snickered and thought to yourself - That nutty blogger will never raise that to maturity.  If the continuing cold snap doesn't kill it the raccoons will get it for sure.

Check this out.  In only two weeks it's grown like it was on steroids.  And it contains a virtual treasure trove of antioxidants. 

An entire drugstore full.

Right in my garden is a fountain of youth.

How much longer should I hold-out for bigger results?   

Or should I feast on Labor Day watermelon? 

Speaking of nice melons - the cantaloupes are doing fantastic.  I only planted a half-row of these from seed but there are about a dozen of these guys developing on the vine.

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