Healthy Soul Choice. Researchers think the watermelon originated in what is now Namibia before spreading across the African continent. There is archeological evidence of watermelon seeds in ancient Egypt, including the tomb of King Tut, 2,000 years before the Common Era. So don't be offended if someone asks if you like watermelon. It's in your genes. On a warm day, the 90 percent water content is quite refreshing. There's also vitamins A and C and beta carotene inside.
Dishes of the Day. Keven Parker's Ms. Tootsies pays homage to the heritage of the watermelon by garnishing dinner plates with a large slice. Atop the smothered pork chops with cabbage and stewed okra in corn and tomatoes was a piece of watermelon. Another slice is stuck into the tropical tea. Ms. Tootsies is at 1314 South St. in Philadelphia.
At Daddy's Soul Food, 637 Washington St. in Miami Beach, they smother their pork chops with onion.
In Boise, ID, the Boise Soul Food Festival has highlighted the best chefs since 1993 each August. One of the favorites is Hoppin' John, including black eyed peas, pork, peppers, onions, garlic and tomato sauce.
Favorite farmer: Willard Tillman, Oklahoma Black Historical Research Project, documenting the state's agricultural history.
Cookbook of the day: Cuisine Noir magazine, sponsoring its first Tasty Awards later this year.
