Lone Star Summer
Words by Ashley Brown. Photo composed by Ralph Yznaga
Few foods are more symbolic of summer than watermelons. Ranking third or fourth in the nation for watermelon production, depending on the year, Texas has a hot, sunny climate that is good for growing this luscious, refreshing and versatile fruit. We even have a Watermelon Queen, crowned annually by the Texas Watermelon Association, whose responsibility it is to travel around the state and encourage production and consumption of the fruit.
From the Rolling Plains area, with plenty of sunlight, to the Lower Rio Grande Valley, with its fertile soil, an estimated 42,000 acres across the state are devoted to growing watermelons. Harvests start in April in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. In June and July, it moves to the Winter Garden and East Texas areas, then progresses in August and early fall to the Rolling Plains, Cross Timbers/DeLeon and southern High Plains. Small farms often sell their harvest at roadside stands, while larger farms ship these fresh, juicy melons to cities all over the state such as Houston, San Antonio, Austin and beyond.
In Luling, Texas, watermelons are so popular that the town celebrates with an annual Watermelon Thump Festival. For four days, residents and visitors can partake in watermelon-based games and activities like seed spitting, watermelon eating, and a contest for the largest Black Diamond watermelon grown that year. Watermelon “thumping” involves tapping a melon quickly and forcefully with a finger or two a few times in a row. If the watermelon sounds hollow and not high-pitched, that means it should be ripe. A thud or less distinct sound indicates it may not be ready. Throughout the summer, many other Texas towns host watermelon festivals and contests, so if you’re craving some fun based around this refreshing and unique fruit, do a quick online search to find one near you.
Growing watermelons organically can be challenging, because they are susceptible to broadleaf weeds, powdery mildew, fusarium wilt and, of course, pests. Despite these difficulties, many Texas farmers that grow watermelons prioritize sustainability and organic practices. Due to watermelons’ thick rind, pesticides can’t get to the flesh that you eat, so it is safe to consume non-organic melons; however, the potential health benefits to us and the earth of organic farming in general may encourage you to seek out organic options when possible. Either way, watermelons are not just a sweet and delightful summertime treat — they’re a guilt-free option with many health benefits. Ninety-two percent water, they’re a great source of hydration as well as vitamins and the antioxidant, lycopene.
The seeds, whether white or black, are safe to consume, despite the old wives’ tale that a watermelon will grow in your stomach. Black watermelon seeds are mature, fertile seeds, which you could plant to grow watermelon. The thinner, more translucent white seeds are immature seeds that are not yet fertile.
Seedless watermelons add to the convenience of taking them on the go as a snack and using it in a wide variety of recipes. They were invented more than 50 years ago. This was achieved by crossing watermelon plants with different numbers of chromosomes, resulting in a sterile (seedless) hybrid.
Most of us just think of watermelons as watermelons, but there are a number of varieties grown in Texas. Look for these at your local markets or grocery stores, or if you have your own garden, you might want to plant some seeds and try your hand at producing your very own melons:
Allsweet: A uniquely flavorful watermelon with a mild sweetness and crisp texture, this variety is juicy and makes a great addition to salads.
Black Diamond: Very popular with Texas farmers, Black Diamond watermelons are relatively easy to grow in large numbers. They’re big and bold in size, flavor, and color with their bright red flesh and deep black-green rinds.
Crimson Sweet: Naturally resistant to fusarium wilt, this variety is also relatively easy to grow in the Texas climate. The dark green rind is striped with a lighter green and may be what many picture when they think of watermelons, though the shape is more round than oblong. As the name indicates, this variety has a particularly high sugar content, making it a refreshing yet satisfying dessert or snack.
Jubilee: The Jubilee is a popular melon with firm, crisp, and brilliant bright red flesh. It has an oblong shape and a light green color with dark green stripes. This variety weighs a whopping 25 pounds or more when mature! Its wilt-resistant properties and impressive size make this variety an appealing choice for gardeners.
Royal Sweet: Royal Sweet watermelons have a rich sweet flavor and juicy texture. While watermelons are sometimes used in salads and savory dishes, some varieties such as this one make for a delightful dessert or refreshing addition to a picnic.
Sugar Baby: This variety is also a great option for satisfying your sweet tooth with a healthy snack. These smaller watermelons are also a bit easier to cut and manage.
A handful of Texas Farms that grow watermelons:
Atkinson Farms
3217 Spring Cypress Road
Spring, 77388
@atkinsonfamily_farm
Boggy Creek Farm
3414 Lyons Road
Austin, 78702
boggycreekfarm.com
Engel Farms
9885 U.S. Highway 290,
Fredericksburg, 78624
@engel-farms
Watts Farm
700 E. Davis Street
Luling, TX 78648
Search Watts Farm Luling TX
on Facebook
Writer and editor Ashley Brown lives in Wimberley with her family of rescues: a dog, two cats, and two donkeys. In addition to animal welfare, her passion is exploring the Hill Country's natural beauty, small farms, eateries
and drinkeries.
