5 summer foods that hydrate you

Drinking water is a non-negotiable. Hydrating, toxin-flushing, skin clearing and energising, it is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. While most of our water intake comes from drinking it, over 20% is gleaned from the water content in solid foods. Pop these super hydrating foods on the top of your summer shopping list, and boost your fluids while making the most of this season’s fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tomato

Hitting their peak over summer, ripe tomatoes are a delicious addition to fresh sandwiches, salads and snacks. Budding gardeners can cut their teeth planting a few tomato plants and will relish the sweet, juicy flavour they bring to weeknight dinners. Over 94% water, tomatoes are packed with goodness and eating them in season or growing your own will only enhance their tastiness. Slice up some ripe tomatoes and top with thin slices of fresh buffalo mozzarella and torn basil, drizzle with olive oil and balsamic for an easy Caprese salad.

Watermelon

Nothing embodies the taste of summer quite like a wedge of watermelon. As its name suggests, watermelon is full of water – over 91% - and offers a sweet and hydrating way to round off a meal or snack. A great addition to fresh juices, watermelon is also a great source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. For a novel way to use watermelon this summer, try Karen Martini’s delicate rose watermelon salad with Sicilian pudding.

Green capsicum

Green capsicums slightly nudge out their colourful red and yellow counterparts when it comes to water content. They pack a hydrating punch and can be a great addition to salads, used as dippers for homemade dips and sliced up and packed in school lunches. Grill and peel some green peppers for a tasty BBQ side dish or try stuffing them with mince and tomatoes for a light dinner served with a salad.

Cucumber

Refreshing and cooling, cucumber is a winning ingredient to have in the fridge on a hot day. Leading the pack when it comes to solid foods with the highest water content, they are a hydrating addition to your summer meals. Slice some up for salads, blend in fresh juices or serve alongside other sliced veggies for a sweet and healthy afternoon snack.

Strawberries

Ripe punnets of strawberries are the stuff of summer and offer a powerhouse of health benefits. A rich source of vitamin C, antioxidants and, of course, water, they are a delicious addition to your diet this summer. Heap over homemade bircher muesli, stir through a tasty summer fruit salad or slice and layer onto some wholegrain toast with a spread of ricotta.