The Unexpected Fruit That Works Perfectly On The Grill

Grilling season is without a doubt one of the best times of the year. Sunshine is typically in the forecast. The air becomes filled with rich, smoky aromas that make passersby jealous. And then, of course, there's the mouthwatering cuisine. Backyard barbecues, picnics in the park, and outdoor community events are teeming with hearty eats everyone in the family can enjoy, from burgers, brats, ribs, steaks, and hot dogs to salads, slaws, and savory sides. The menu simply screams summertime. 

Over the years, grilling has become a quintessential cooking method for lots of solid reasons — so much so that Mashed has collected the best BBQ and grilling recipes for your next cookout. According to grill brand Napoleon, grilling has the power to bring out foods' umami flavors, as the direct heat applied to meats, veggies, fruits, and other items helps create a deeply savory taste. The Kitchn also suggests that grilling is therapeutic and good for mental health as if we needed another excuse to do it.

It's pretty common to see ears of corn, eggplant, peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, potatoes, asparagus, lemons, and a variety of meatless edibles on the grates. However, next time you fire up the grill, there's one fruit that you should toss on, too. Hint: It's extremely refreshing.

Perhaps surprising to some, watermelon tastes awesome when grilled, and we certainly wouldn't protest the idea that we should all start eating more watermelon. In fact, the pleasantly sweet, juicy, crispy vine fruit makes an incredibly tasty plant-based burger. Yep, you read that right! Watermelon burgers are definitely a thing, and people swear by them. A writer for The Takeout described her watermelon burger experience quite eloquently, saying, "The first time I tried it I was so astounded that my body filled up with the sort of wondrous glee I feel after seeing a magic trick."

Watermelon burgers can be treated similarly to the traditional beef burgers we know and love, and there have been many toppings tested by advocates. For example, instead of the classic slice of cheddar cheese that you'd stack on top of a beef patty, use tangy cheeses such as feta or creamy, zesty goat cheese to perfectly compliment the watermelon patty's sweetness. NYT Cooking's recipe calls for minced onion for an extra crunch and balanced, bold flavor. Feel free to get creative and play around with different garnishes to discover your ideal bite.

Grilled fruit makes an extraordinarily delicious dessert or side dish, too. If, for whatever reason, you're not super keen on watermelon, The Spruce Eats also recommends grilling pineapple, peaches, apples, pears, and even bananas.