I Love Watermelon!
By Mark Mulcahy
It's one of those things that truly reminds me of summer - sweet, juicy, and sooooo refreshing on a hot day. I have fond memories of spitting watermelon seeds across the yard while enjoying a slice on the back or front steps.
This also reminds me of the Mark Twain anecdote about selecting watermelon: Twain reportedly said that an unripe melon will make a “pink” or “pank” sound when thumped, but that a ripe melon will give a resounding “PUNK,” like a drum.
Visual cues to look for when selecting melons are a creamy yellow underside and a smooth, symmetrical shape. Avoid melons with a flat side or shiny skin.
Besides being August, and the perfect time to enjoy watermelon, I had a new revelation while working with a client in Blue Hill, Maine, over the past few weeks. I have been doing the ordering for the produce department while helping the store out during a produce manager transition - ordering bins upon bins of full-sized watermelons and boxes upon boxes of mini watermelons to fill the department.
It was uncommonly hot for the region the other day, and when I found myself talking with a customer I could tell they could use a little refreshment. So, I asked if they would like a slice of organic watermelon, and she eagerly said yes! Using Mark Twain's advice, I found a pretty good one, opened it up, and cut a slice for each of us. It was absolutely delicious and refreshing!
As we talked and felt refreshed, she mentioned she loved the melon but was traveling and needed something smaller and easier to manage. So, I grabbed yellow and red mini seedless watermelons and sliced them open for a taste as well, and WOW - even I was pleasantly surprised! She bought one of each, and I gained a newfound appreciation for something I've stocked in stores for years but hadn't spent much time trying.
While it seems they have been around forever, it’s only been a bit over 20 years since these mini melons first hit the market. They were introduced in 2003 through traditional, selective breeding programs aimed at reducing food waste for smaller households.
Both yellow and red watermelons are incredibly hydrating, low-calorie treats, but they differ in their antioxidant profiles. Red watermelon is rich in lycopene, while yellow watermelon is packed with beta-carotene. Yellow varieties also tend to be slightly sweeter, with a honey-like flavor that really hits home on a summer day. The differences in both make them perfect to combine in a beautiful watermelon salad.
If you’re looking for organic mini watermelons, Melissa’s has you covered with Organic Mini Red Seedless Watermelons and Organic Mini Yellow Seedless Watermelons. They are juicy, delicious, portable, and perfect for picnics, parties with many friends, or just yourself at the end of a long day. (And of course, if you get the hankering to spit some seeds, there are plenty of delicious full-sized organic options as well!)
