Watermelons are one of the best symbols for summer. They are bright, juicy, and delicious! Few things beat an ice-cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer’s day. If you have a bit of space in your garden, you can easily plant and grow watermelons. When are watermelons in season?
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As you already may have assumed, watermelons are a summer fruit. They are harvested between May and September. Watermelons need the hot summer sun to become sweet and juicy. Unfortunately, watermelons cannot withstand cold and can therefore not be grown in frosty areas.
When Are Watermelons In Season?
Watermelons are in season between May and September. Watermelons are sensitive to cold temperatures and must be harvested before the first frost. They are mostly grown in California, Texas, Florida, and the state of Georgia.
During this time, you can find fresh watermelons in supermarkets and farmers’ markets. Watermelons are also imported. Therefore, you can buy watermelons all year in the supermarkets. However, they are the most delicious when they are grown locally. They will be riper when they are harvested and will also taste sweeter.
When Are Watermelons Ready To Be Harvested?
Watermelons should be planted after the last frost in the springtime. They should be planted in a full sun area and in soil with good drainage, which can also retain moisture.
Since planting the seeds, watermelons take about 90 days to produce fruit. When the watermelon plant flowers, it will be about 70 days before you can start harvesting your watermelons.
Unfortunately, watermelons only last for one year. So, if you want to have watermelons next season, you will have to plant new watermelon seeds in the spring.
When the watermelons are ready to be harvested, their skin will be bright green. The stem that attaches them to the vine will dry out and shrivel up. Where the watermelon touches the ground, the skin will change from green to yellow. If you knock on the watermelon and make a hollow sound, you know it is ready to be picked.
To pick the watermelon from the vine, you can use a pair of scissors and simply cut it off just above the stem. Your watermelon is now ready to be served.
How Do You Prepare A Watermelon?
To prepare watermelon for eating is simple. You can cut the watermelon into slices.
- Start by cutting the watermelon in half.
- Then flip the watermelon, so the peel is facing up. Slice the watermelon into one-inch slices.
- Next, cut each piece out of the peel. Watermelon has a thick peel. You only want the pink part of the watermelon.
- Repeat the same for the remaining half of the watermelon.
- You can then cut the watermelon into chunks or strips, depending on how you want to present it.
Another method is to cut the whole watermelon into one-inch slices and then cut each slice into quarters. Then you have a triangular piece of watermelon. This method is excellent if you want to eat the watermelon out of the peel.
While there are seedless watermelons on the market, you might find that the watermelon has large, flat brown seeds inside. These seeds are entirely edible. In addition, they don’t taste bitter, so you can eat them.
If you don’t like to eat the seeds, spit them out when you are eating the watermelon. There is no way to remove all the seeds from the watermelon before serving it.
Keep in mind that the sweetest part of the watermelon is right at the center. This area has no seeds and tastes the best. Watermelon can be eaten as is or used in other dishes, such as a watermelon, mint, and feta salad.
If you have only ever eaten plain watermelon, trying another recipe is a great idea. Watermelons can be used in many dishes and are a lot more versatile than people think.
Can You Eat The Watermelon Rind?
Most people only like to eat the pink part of a watermelon because this is the sweet part. However, every part of a watermelon is actually edible. You can eat watermelon rinds raw, but they don’t taste like much. Here are some ways to use your watermelon rinds:
- Pickle – watermelons are related to cucumbers, and the rind has a similar texture. Watermelon rinds can be pickled in pickling juice and enjoyed with barbeque or as a snack.
- Stir-fry – Watermelon rinds add a crunchy element to stir-fry. You can cut the peels into thin strips and add them to your stir-fry along with the other vegetables.
- Juiced – If you plan to juice your watermelon, don’t toss the rinds. They contain just as much water as the pink part of the watermelon and have just as many health benefits.
How Long Can A Watermelon Be Stored?
Unfortunately, watermelons cannot be stored for too long. Contrary to popular belief, watermelons also last longer and better when they are stored at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator.
If your watermelon is left uncut, it can last for about three weeks. Store an uncut watermelon in a cool, dark spot. If you have already cut your watermelon, you need to put it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Watermelon that is stored in this way can last for roughly three or four days.
You can also freeze watermelon to store it for more extended periods. However, watermelon will be soggy and mushy once it has thawed after being frozen. To freeze your watermelon, cut it into cubes or use a melon baller to scoop out the watermelon from the rind.
Freeze the watermelon in a single layer until it is set and then transfer it to a plastic bag to keep them in the freezer. Frozen watermelon can be used as a garnish for drinks or in smoothies. You can also make watermelon sorbet with fresh watermelon. Watermelon sorbet will taste better than thawed watermelon.
How Can You Tell If A Watermelon Has Gone Bad?
There are a few ways to tell if a watermelon has gone bad. If the watermelon has any mold or dark spots on the skin, it has gone bad. If the green rind goes slimy and starts coming off the fruit, it is also bad. Finally, if the watermelon smells or tastes sour or fizzy, it is another indication that the watermelon has gone bad.
If any part of the watermelon has started to rot, throw the whole watermelon away. There is no way to salvage a rotten watermelon.
