Nothing screams “summer” like a piece of luscious, sun-ripened watermelon.

Renowned for its vivid color and sweet taste, this fruit is a mainstay of beach picnics, pool parties, and barbecues alike. Plus, it’s comprised of 92 percent water and boasts vitamins A, B₆, and C, making it a healthful and hydrating choice. Here are some ideas to help you truly savor the treat this season.

Prepare it differently

Although wedge slices are classic, there are lots of interesting ways to consume watermelon. If you’re looking to avoid desserts with added sugars, you can create sorbet by mashing frozen chunks of the fruit or craft ice pops by blending and freezing it. Or toss it with feta, mint, and cucumber for a refreshing salad. You could even throw a few slices on the grill to caramelize the natural sugars, resulting in a deliciously smoky taste.

Add it in

On top of being a star ingredient, watermelon’s versatility means it can also be an excellent addition to all sorts of dishes. In salsa, for instance, you can substitute diced watermelon for tomatoes; alternatively, toss it into guacamole for a sweet variation. And when it comes to beverages, simply mix blended watermelon with Greek yogurt for a delightful smoothie or use chunks as a garnish to elevate your favorite mocktails or cocktails.

Create a themed activity

Of course, you don’t have to eat watermelon to enjoy it! At your next gathering, consider holding a competition where participants young and old stand in a line, take a bite of juicy melon, and see how far they can spit the seeds they get from it. Another good bonding activity could be carving the fruit into different shapes, pushing each other to see who can be the most creative. With such fun times, your event is all but guaranteed to be a hit.