Exploring Florida’s Watermelon Wonderland
Oh, the joys of a ripe watermelon on a hot summer’s day! It’s one of those quintessential delights that evoke childhood memories of picnics and sun-drenched afternoons. And if you’re like me, even Mr. Coffee, my granddog, can’t resist a juicy slice whenever he gets the chance. But have you ever wondered where these refreshing fruits come from? Welcome to the fascinating world of Florida’s watermelon farms, where an incredible 900 million pounds of Florida watermelons are produced annually, making up 25% of the domestic supply!
A Sweet Slice of History
Did you know that the Florida Watermelon Association has been around since 1968? This organization represents a group of dedicated watermelon growers who contribute a whopping 30% to Florida’s agricultural economy. With over 27,000 acres of watermelons grown each year, Florida is the primary supplier of watermelons across the United States. Peak seasons for harvesting this delicious fruit run from March to late June and October to December, with watermelons ready just three months after planting. The average yield per watermelon acreage is 20,000 to 40,000 pounds. Wow!
Generations of Juicy Goodness
Florida’s watermelon farms are more than just production hubs; they’re a testament to generations of farming families dedicated to perfecting the art of growing the perfect watermelon. In Immokalee, GID Farms began its watermelon farming in 2009, while 83 Farms in Bell, Florida, boasts a rich history as a fourth-generation family farm. And if you find yourself in Punta Gorda, the perfect weather seems to be a well-kept secret among several long-standing farms:
- Bayshore Farms – A third-generation farming family.
- C&L Farms – An impressive eighth-generation farming family.
- MSS Farms – Four generations in the making.
- JDI Farms – Proudly farming watermelons for seven generations.
Al Wroten, is the Founder of Global Produce Sales. He is a 4th generation Floridian. I read an article where he talked about his true love of producing the best melon in the State. The Wroten Family struggles, like most farmers to increase their total production and try to keep costs low. There are a lot of challenges in running a family business, especially a farm. But, even with those challenges, like labor costs, they still believe it to be the best way of life. Imagine walking through the watermelon orchards and seeing fresh watermelon growing… what a way of life, don’t you think?
These Florida growers aren’t just producing watermelons; they’re cultivating a legacy of dedication, hard work, and love for the land.
Picking the Perfect Watermelon
If you’re anything like me, finding the sweetest, juiciest watermelon, in the grocery store, can feel like a treasure hunt. Here are some foolproof tips to help you pick a winner:
- Look it Over: Choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon free from bruises, cuts, or dents.
- Lift it Up: Watermelons are 92% water, so the heavier, the better!
- Turn it Over: Check for a creamy yellow spot—this “ground spot” shows it ripened on the vine.
Some folks swear by this method: If you thump the rind of a watermelon and hear a hollow thud sound, then it’s ripe, juicy, and ready to eat; if the thump produces a higher-pitch ringing sound, it’s underripe; then if you just hear a thud, it’s overripe.
Remember, a ripe watermelon will have a large, dark yellow spot, and feel heavier than it looks—a sign that it’s packed with juicy goodness!
Storing Your Find
Once you’ve scored the perfect watermelon, store it whole for two to three weeks in the refrigerator or about a week on the counter. If you’ve cut it up, wrap it tightly in plastic or a sealed container to keep it fresh for around three days.
A Must-Visit on My Bucket List
I’ve always dreamed of visiting Florida’s watermelon farms and attending a Watermelon Festival. From juicy watermelon eating contests to creative watermelon carving competitions, these festivals offer a vibrant celebration of Florida’s most popular crop. With live music, local vendors, and educational opportunities, these events provide a fun-filled day for all ages. You can find more details about these festivals here.
Check out all of our Florida adventures here
Taste the Best of Florida
Feeling inspired to taste the bounty of Florida? Here are a few refreshing recipes to make the most of those juicy watermelons:
Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
- 4 cups of watermelon flesh cubed (that’s the sweet red inside of the watermelon)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine the watermelon, feta, red onion, and mint in a large bowl. Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then drizzle over the salad. Gently toss to combine, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This refreshing salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a light snack!
Watermelon and Sweet Corn Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups watermelon, diced
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh or cooked)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Feta cheese (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the diced watermelon, sweet corn, red onion, and fresh cilantro. The vibrant colors are just a hint of the deliciousness to come!
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve and Enjoy: This salad is best enjoyed fresh! Serve it as a refreshing side dish at your next picnic or BBQ, and feel free to crumble feta cheese on top for an added kick of flavor!
This delightful Watermelon and Sweet Corn Salad is the perfect way to celebrate summer!
Did you know the entire watermelon is edible? Yep! Here’s how to use up those watermelon rinds.
Pickled Watermelon Rind Recipe
Pickling watermelon rind is a delightful way to make use of every part of this juicy fruit! It’s a fun project that results in a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your summer picnics. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon rind, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (fresh or powdered)
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rind: First, carefully remove the green outer layer and the pink flesh from the watermelon rind. You want just the white part! Cut the rind into small chunks or strips.
- Blanch the Rind: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the rind pieces. Blanch them for about 10 minutes, then drain and let cool.
- Make the Pickling Brine: In a saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, water, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and allspice (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Combine: Once the brine is boiling, add the blanched watermelon rind to the pot. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the rind to soak up the flavors.
- Jar It Up: Remove the pot from heat and let it cool slightly. Then, carefully pack the cool watermelon rind into sterilized jars and pour the pickling liquid over the top, ensuring the rind is fully submerged.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, store the jars in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit for at least 24 hours before enjoying!
These sweet and zesty pickled watermelon rinds are sure to have your family and friends raving! They make for a unique side dish or condiment for meats and sandwiches
Check out more of our Island Inspired Recipes.
Discovering Watermelon Varieties
When it comes to watermelons, you’ll be excited to know there’s a delightful array of varieties to explore beyond the classic green-skinned option. Each type offers its own unique taste and texture that can elevate your summer snacking. Even cooler is that the Florida farmer can grow many of these varieties. The Florida sun and climate are the perfect place for watermelon production. Did you know there are over 1,200 varieties of watermelon? Me either! A new variety of watermelon is a miniball. It fits in the palm of your hand and is best for those who want a small snack versus pounds of watermelon.
Here are other varieties: The seedless Watermelon is a family favorite, providing all the sweetness without the fuss of seeds. Then there’s the Sugar Baby, a small, round variety that packs an incredible sugary punch—perfect for grilling or as a sweet treat!
If you’re looking for something with a twist, try the Yellow Watermelon! With its vibrant yellow flesh, this variety offers a delicious, honey-like sweetness that will surprise your taste buds. Don’t overlook the Ice Box Watermelon, either— known for its compact size, it’s ideal for picnics and easily fits in your fridge. Lastly, the Moon and Stars Watermelon is celebrated for its unique appearance, featuring dark green skin with yellow spots, making it not only tasty but also visually striking.
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With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find a watermelon that suits every palate, making your Florida watermelon adventure even more exciting!
Whether you’re a local food enthusiast or just on the hunt for your next adventure, Florida’s watermelon farms offer more than just the sweet taste of summer—they serve up a rich slice of agricultural heritage worth exploring.