Mali and Mauritania watermelon was served as an appetizer. The countries have large areas that are part of the Saharan Desert. One can only imagine how delicious and refreshing watermelon is on a hot, dry and dusty day. I learned that there is also a white flesh watermelon that grows wild there and they use the seeds of that variety to bake with. Our weather has been quite hot lately and we found these chunks of watermelon on a hot day to be excellent. The fresh mint was a nice little addition to our starter. Watermelon in many countries is loved as a snack, or dessert. Often in Mali and Mauritania women and children carry them on their heads and they are also available in season at the markets and roadside stands.
