Friday, July 8, 2011

Green Thumb Tip # 3 Watermelons

Happy Friday!

You might be thinking "Watermelons don't grow in Idaho so I don't need this one.  However, we have many little watermelons, honeydew, and cataloupe growing in our little greenhouse.  With a greenhouse you are able to grow so much more than just in the open air in Rexburg.  It is because of this greenhouse we are able to have much of the produce and herbs we currently do.  While our melons are not quite ready, here is a nifty tip I found to help you find that perfect melon at the store.

Tips for Picking a Ripe Watermelon

I have found one of the best places to buy a watermelon is from your local farmer's market or fruit stand. Fruits like watermelon are picked when ripe, unlike those found in supermarkets. Watermelons sold in commercial grocery stores are often picked early,so they can ripen while being transported. However, the melons can arrive too early, even too late, and making them, well, just not good.

Look for a melon that is nice looking, meaning free of dents, bruises, cuts, etc. Check under the melon - if it has a yellow or light bottom, it should be ripe. If it's stripes are found all around the melon, pass on it. It's just not ready yet.

You may see people at the market tapping on watermelon. What exactly are they listening for? The are checking for signs of hollowness. It is sounds hollow, its ripe. Not hollow, unripe.

Look for a heavy melon. Watermelons are made up of mostly water, so an ideal melon should be heavy for its size.

http://mideastfood.about.com/od/tipsandtechniques/f/watermelonripe.htm

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