Watermelon

Watermelon Basics

Watermelon contains lycopene, which gives it its red color and is a powerful antioxidant that helps keep you healthy!

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• Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. 
• Look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside. It becomes more yellow as the melon ripens. 
• Avoid melons with bumps, soft spots, dents or cracks. 
• The flesh of cut watermelon should look juicy and smooth. 
• Pre-cut melon can be found in some stores. These often cost more per pound than whole melons but can save time and space. 
• Watch for Oregon-grown watermelon from July to September. They may cost less and taste better than melons from farther away.

Store Well Waste Less

• Whole melons can be kept at room temperature for 7 to 10 days. They ripen very little after picking and begin to lose flavor and texture with longer storage. Refrigerate just before eating if desired.
• Rinse under running water before cutting.   
• Cut watermelon can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Put in a covered container or cover the cut surface.

Types of Watermelon

Seeded watermelon can be round or oval and weigh from 15 to 45 pounds. The flesh is usually red with black seeds. 

Seedless watermelon are the most common type. They can be round or oval and weigh from 10 to 25 pounds. The flesh is usually red but can be yellow, orange or white. They may have soft, edible white seed coats but rarely contain black seeds. 

Mini or personal watermelon are usually seedless and weigh 1 to 7 pounds. They may have more flesh and less rind than larger watermelons.

Enjoy Watermelon

Recipes

Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon with Lime and Chili Powder

Watermelon Cooler

Quick Fix:

• Watermelon is a classic summer treat. Just slice into triangles and eat.   
• Cut into bite-sized pieces and add to fruit salads.   
• Freeze chunks of watermelon to use as edible ice cubes in water, lemonade or iced tea.
  When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:
• use a plastic knife or cookie cutter to cut watermelon into cubes or fun shapes. 
• measure ingredients. 
• fill a blender part way and be sure the lid is on tight.

Kids Can!

When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:

• use a plastic knife or cookie cutter to cut watermelon into cubes or fun shapes. 
• measure ingredients. 
• fill a blender part way and be sure the lid is on tight.