RECIPES: How to turn those not-so-perfect watermelons into juicy summer dishes and drinks

Everybody knows a perfectly ripe watermelon needs no adornment, except maybe a light sprinkle of salt.

But what about those not so perfect melons? Those that needed just a few more days in the sun or experienced a little too much rainfall on the vine?

Even armed with knowledge of how to pick out a watermelon, some melons — especially after you've had a sweet one — fall flat of our expectations.

The following recipes are some of our favorite ways to use those not-so-perfect melons; prepare them with an impeccably sweet watermelon and they'll be even better.

With more than 90% water content, it's no wonder the juicy, often ruby-red fleshed fruit is a summertime favorite and a cool wedge can be as refreshing as a glass of water on a hot day.