Watermelon Board Launches Culinary Curriculum

Accredited Programs Educate Foodservice Professionals

Winter Springs, Fl. – August 22 2019 – As part of National Watermelon Promotion Board’s (NWPB) continued effort to support watermelon usage in the Foodservice sector, NWPB has recently launched Culinary Curriculum Lesson Plans. The plans are provided free of cost and are accredited by the American Culinary Foundation (ACF) with five CEHs (continuing education hours). They can be used by instructors, students, and new and seasoned chefs alike. The program includes six lesson plans (below), a presentation, quiz and evaluation (a requirement to receive a certificate).

Lesson 1: Watermelon History, Cultivation & Market Insights
Lesson 2: Watermelon Types, Product Formats & Availability
Lesson 3: Watermelon Receiving, Handling & Storage
Lesson 4: Watermelon on the Menu
Lesson 5: Watermelon Carving
Lesson 6: Watermelon Nutrition

“Watermelon is an on-trend ingredient that is steadily growing on menus,” said Megan McKenna, Director of Foodservice at NWPB. “We saw an opportunity to provide operators and educators with valuable resources to support watermelon usage.”

In addition to culinary education in the classroom, the plans can be used as a personal development tool. The lessons include everything from trend data and research to flavor pairings exercises to preparation techniques.

For more information, visit watermelon.org/foodservice or contact Megan McKenna at [email protected].

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About National Watermelon Promotion Board

The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 15.5 pounds in 2022. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.2 billion pounds in 2022. The United States exported an additional 328 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

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