But the best time to buy is between May and September. That’s when production kicks in for the four top watermelon-growing states—Florida, Texas, California, and Georgia—which account for two-thirds of the U.S. crop and keep supermarket bins consistently full.
When should you stop buying watermelon?
Watermelon season starts as early as May in some places, and winds down in September. The very peak of the season is July and August. Grocery stores sell watermelons, mainly red seedless, year-round. Off-season watermelons mostly come from Mexico and Central America.
Is watermelon good in fall?
Watermelons are harvested from June through September; this seasonal produce in California is best consumed in the summer and fall.
Can you buy watermelon in October?
Watermelon is available year-round (use this handy chart to see where your watermelon is coming from) – just look for “fresh cut” containers of watermelon in the produce aisle.
Can you eat watermelon all year round?
Absolutely! Watermelon is growing somewhere at any point during the year, which means it’s always available. Check out this handy chart to see where your watermelon is coming from. To get your watermelon fix during colder months just look for minis or “fresh cut” containers of watermelon in the produce aisle.
Should you refrigerate watermelon?
Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How long are watermelons good for?
The good news is that the shelf life of watermelons is pretty long: about three to four weeks from when it’s picked off the vine, according to the experts at the National Watermelon Promotion Board. The easiest way to store a whole watermelon is probably on your kitchen counter, at or just below room temperature.
What fruit is in season in September?
Blackberries, blueberries, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, courgette, spring green cabbage, sweetcorn, savoy cabbage, red cabbage, carrots, apples, runner beans, cucumber, kale, leeks, iceberg lettuce, marrow, peas, plums, spinach, squash, and white cabbage [4].
How is there watermelon in winter?
Winter watermelon culture is only possible in warm, frost-free climates or heated greenhouses in cooler climates. Another winter watermelon growing possibility is starting watermelon seeds indoors during the late winter and transplanting the seedlings to the garden in spring when the threat of a late frost is over.
Is watermelon a winter fruit?
Watermelons are a summertime staple.
Is watermelon in season in September?
The 5 most popular are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow and orange flesh. Watermelon season runs throughout the summer — from May to September — but the exact range depends on where you live, Keep an eye out at your local farmers market.
What month is watermelon the sweetest?
As much as you may want to eat watermelon all year round, the best time to purchase this fruit is during its peak season, which lasts between May and September.
What melons are good in the fall?
Winter or late melons include varieties of casaba and honeydew melons and the Crenshaw melon. These melons often take a month or longer than summer melons to ripen and so come to harvest in late autumn or early winter in most regions.
Where is watermelon in season year round?
One-third of the watermelon supply in the U.S. is imported from Central American countries, including Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Mexico. This ensures the fruit’s year-round availability. In Mexico, the watermelon (“sandía” in Spanish), is one of the most beloved every day fruits.
How can you tell a good watermelon?
If the watermelon is ripe, the field spot should be a large, yellow patch on one side of the melon. If it is ripe, the color should be a creamy, almost butter-like yellow. The bigger the yellow belly and the creamier the color means the more time the melon spent ripening on the vine.
Where do the best watermelons come from?
BEARDSTOWN, ILLINOIS – While other towns call themselves the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” Beardstown only calls itself the “Watermelon Capital.” And for good reason: The town is one of the most prolific watermelon-growers in the state.
How long will an uncut watermelon keep?
two weeks
A whole, uncut cantaloupe or honeydew melon should last for seven to 10 days in the refrigerator. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks.
How long can a watermelon sit uncut?
Once picked, uncut watermelon can be stored for about two weeks at room temperature, or refrigerated between 45 to 50°. Uncut watermelons have a shorter refrigerator life, so store at room temperature until ready to chill and eat.
How do you keep watermelons fresh longer?
How to Store Watermelon
- Wait. Whole watermelon should be left at room temperature until ripe.
- Refrigerate. Once ripe, place the whole watermelon, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
- Seal. Once cut, seal cut watermelon halves or slices in a Glad® Zipper Bag.
- Refrigerate. Store in the refrigerator.
How can you tell if watermelon has gone bad?
The easiest way to tell is to check the skin for any soggy spots and patches of greenish-blue, black, or white mold. Even if the exterior looks OK, there’s a chance that the fruit could have gone bad. If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it.
How can you tell if a watermelon is overripe?
Consumers who still want to thump the watermelon should listen closely when their finger flicks the fruit. “An unripe watermelon will ‘ping’ when thumped. An overripe watermelon will ‘thud. ‘ The one you want to buy is somewhere in between,” Egel said.