Updated 2023: Just in Time for Summer, Watermelons!
Discover > Texas Home Cooking > Updated 2023: Just in Time for Summer, Watermelons!
With summer just around the corner, what better way to cool off than with a refreshing fruit that's sweet and low-calorie to boot, right? Watermelons are healthy; they have essential nutrients, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals that are great for you! Being 90% water, it's the perfect seasonal Texas fruit to fight off the summer heat!
As the largest horticultural crop, it's very easy to find watermelon farms in Texas in over a hundred counties, so it’s easy to find fresh watermelons at your local farmers' markets!
When are Watermelons in Season in Texas?
With Texas being a large state, watermelon season runs from spring to fall, with sequential harvest starting at the Lower Rio Grande area around April. When the heat starts setting in in June and July, harvests will be coming in from the Winter Garden area and East Texas.
In August, watermelons in Texas come from the Rolling Plains area. Finally, before the fall temperature drops, late summer and early fall harvests will come from the Cross/DeLeon/Timers and Southern Plains.
Overall, Texas ranks third in Watermelon production by volume in the United States. Still, it ranks first regarding the number of acres used in production. Many locally produced watermelons go to local farmers' markets and roadside stalls, so if you're on a Texas road trip. Also, if you spot any roadside fruit stalls, drop by and grab a watermelon or two!
What Do Watermelons Taste Like?
While it's no longer necessary to explain what watermelons taste like, it's still good to mention that they have three flavors!
It's sweet, sour, and bitter!
It's pretty interesting; the sour and bitter taste of the watermelon keeps the sweetness of the watermelon in check! The bitter flavors of the watermelon tone down the sweetness to prevent it from overpowering, while the sourness of the watermelon keeps the bitterness down. This unique combination of flavors gives watermelon that unique, subtle taste that everyone loves! So add the water content to that and have the perfect refreshing summer fruit!
P.S. Try adding a bit of salt to your watermelon! Not too much, just a pinch before biting. While this may sound strange or counterproductive, added salt mutes the bitterness of the watermelon allowing the sweetness to shine!
How to Pick the Best Watermelons
Have you ever cut open a watermelon and found disappointment within? Dry? Overripe? Bland? Well, worry not; here are some of TexasRealFood's tried and tested ways to get ripe and sweet watermelons without cutting them open!
Watermelon Size and Shape
The watermelon should be uniform all around. Whether round or oblong, it should be, at the very least, symmetrical; you know what we mean; look out for dents and irregular bumps and avoid them! Rounder ones tend to be sweeter and oblong ones tend to be juicier/more watery. So pick the shape that best suits your mood!
The Field Spot
The watermelon has a field spot on one side which indicates where lay rested on the ground while growing. Inspect this spot and check out the color. For perfectly ripe and sweet watermelons, the yellow patch should be creamy yellow, something close to freshly churned butter. If it has a small spot or is still white, move on to the next one, as it has been picked before it has fully ripened.
Watermelon Surface
When they say beauty is only skin deep, that's true regarding watermelons! Look for one with a dull surface; the duller, the better! Shiny watermelons are underripe and may not be as sweet as their duller counterparts.
Brown Spots / Webbing
When I was little, I thought the brown webs were imperfections to be avoided. Still, when I discovered what caused them and how they affected the taste, I started to look for watermelons with the most webbing on the market! This webbing is caused when the bees pollinate the flower and scar the membranes that later form the fruit; the more pollination, the sweeter the fruit! And if you see some hard gobs seeping out of the watermelon, this is a good sign. Those gobs are sugar seeping out of the watermelon and not anything caused by insects.
Watermelon Sound
This is a popular method of checking watermelons for ripeness, but it needs to be understood! A ripe watermelon should have a deep sound when you thump it with your hand or fist, resembling a tenor. If it has a hollow sound, it's underripe and may not be as juicy, and a balanced sound may mean that it's overripe and is starting to get mushy inside.
The Watermelon "Tail"
Check out if the tail where the watermelon was attached to the vine is still attached. The tails of perfectly ripe watermelons turn brown and shrivel off the vine when the time comes; if the tail is still green, it was harvested before it became perfectly ripe!
Isn't nature amazing for providing us with these tell-tale signs of sweet watermelons?
How Long Do Watermelons Last in the Fridge?
The good news is that their shelf life is long. After picking them off the vine, watermelons last between three and four weeks.
But the window includes the time spent sending it to the market. So when this summer's favorite fruit is on your counter, you have a week to consume it.
Once you slice into it, you must refrigerate the leftover. Keep in mind that any fruit's shelf-life is shortened after cutting it.
A portion of the watermelon still in the rind can be stored in the fridge by covering the pink part with plastic wrap.
You can freeze pieces of the fruit for up to a year by putting them into a sealable container. When you do freeze it, you are going to eat it frozen. Defrosting, it will only lose its texture, color, and taste.
Don't worry! Frozen watermelon chunks can be added to your protein shake or smoothies.
How are Seedless Watermelons Made?
They are not entirely seed-free. Some have transparent seeds. But they are edible.
Seedless watermelons are hybrids. Producing them requires a chemical process to double the number of chromosomes.
During Texas watermelon festivals, you can buy different varieties of this fruit, including seedless ones.
Texas Watermelon Festivals
Texas loves watermelons so much that we have festivals all over the state celebrating this amazing summer fruit! Here are some notable watermelon festivals around the Lone Star State!
City of Alamo Watermelon Festival and Cook-off
Get ready to celebrate America's independence in a whole new way! Unfortunately, the Watermelon Festival, initially scheduled for May 13, has been postponed due to unforeseen weather conditions. But don't worry; we have a great new summer fun plan! This year's Watermelon Festival will be combined with our annual Fourth of July celebration to bring you an event that is twice as awesome. So prepare for food, fun, and fireworks as we unite to honor our country and enjoy some sweet, juicy watermelon. So mark your calendars for July 3, 2023, and get ready for a day of non-stop excitement!
Date: July 3, 2023
Location: 800 E Main St
Alamo, TX 78516
United States
Center TX What-A-Melon Festival
Summer isn't complete without participating in a watermelon festival, and the East Texas What-A-Melon Festival is one of the best! Located in the charming town of Center, Texas, this three-day event is a must-visit for anyone who loves this delicious fruit. The festival starts with an official watermelon cutting, where attendees can see the juicy red insides revealed. But the fun doesn't stop there – attendees can also witness the weighing of watermelons, with the top three most significant displayed for everyone to admire throughout the weekend. It's amazing to see just how large these sweet fruits can get! The East Texas What-A-Melon Festival truly celebrates summertime and all the deliciousness it brings.
Date: Typically held the first weekend after the 4th of July.
Location: 124 Austin St
Center, TX 75935
United States
107th Annual De Leon Peach & Melon Festival and Tractor Pull
The De Leon Peach and Melon Festival is an event that has stood the test of time as one of the oldest festivals in Texas. With great food, rides, merchandise, entertainment, and a tractor pull, there is plenty for attendees of all ages to see and do. The festival's mission is clear - to provide a safe space where the community can come together, relax, shop, enjoy delicious food, and enjoy all kinds of entertainment. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, there's something for everyone at the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival. So mark your calendars and get ready for a great time!
Date: August 2023 (TBA)
Location: 5401 Hwy 6
De Leon, TX 76444
United States
McDade Watermelon Festival
The McDade Watermelon Festival has been a staple in the State of Texas for decades, drawing in visitors from all over with its delicious watermelon treats, lively street dances, and exciting games and activities. Unfortunately, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival was forced to cancel its event in 2020. While it was a sad decision, it was the responsible choice to prioritize the health and safety of everyone involved. But fear not, because the festival will be back in full swing for its 75th year in 2023 on July 8! It will be a fun-filled event, with locals and visitors coming together to celebrate the beloved summer fruit. So remember to mark your calendars and join the festivities, including the highly anticipated street dance on July 7!
Date: July 7-8, 2023
Location: 143 Bastrop St
McDade, TX 78650
United States
Annual Hempstead Watermelon Festival
Get ready to experience all the fun and excitement at the Hempstead Watermelon Festival! This two-day event, held in honor of the famous crop, is the perfect way to spend a summer weekend with your family and friends. From toe-tapping entertainment to delicious food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Stroll through the antique car show, watch the old-time parade, or browse the can't-miss shopping options. The kids will love the games and activities, and you'll love the overall festive vibe. So make sure to mark your calendars for July 14 and 15, 2023, because this is one party you won't want to miss. So join us in Hempstead for a weekend of good times and great memories!
Date: July 14-15, 2023
Location: Downtown Hempstead
Naples, TX Watermelon Festival
Every summer, the small town of Naples, Texas, comes alive with music, laughter, and the delicious crunch of freshly sliced watermelon. That's because the annual Naples Watermelon Festival is taking place - an event that cannot be missed. With its famous parade, bustling craft booths, and top-notch rodeo, the festival draws in visitors from all corners of the region. It's a time for community, celebration, and savoring the joys of summertime. So, put on your cowboy boots, grab a slice of juicy watermelon, and get ready to experience a truly unforgettable weekend in Naples.
Date: July 28-29, 2023
Location: 103 Floyd St
Naples, TX 75568
United States
Luling Watermelon Thump Festival
Luling, Texas, is a small town with a big reputation. Every year, for over sixty years, it hosts an event that people from all over the country come to enjoy: Luling Watermelon Thump 2023 Schedule. This extravaganza is planned and executed by the Watermelon Thump Association, a group of volunteers who devote many hours to ensuring the Thump is a success. With a population of only 5800, Luling hosts tens of thousands of visitors for four days of music, carnival rides, and watermelon. The seed-spitting contest is the biggest in America, and kids love seeing the petting zoo and enjoying ice cream in the Texas heat. The Thump comes only once a year, always on the last full weekend of June, and it's not to be missed!
Date: June 22-25, 2023
Location: Downtown Luling 421 E. Davis St
Luling, TX 78648
United States
Stockdale Annual Watermelon Jubilee
The Stockdale Watermelon Jubilee has been a beloved Texas tradition for over 80 years. As one of the oldest watermelon festivals in the state, it's easy to see why it has stood the test of time. Celebrated every third weekend in June, this refreshing slice of summertime fun is a highlight for many families. With various activities, the beautiful Stockdale City Park provides the perfect backdrop for a day of watermelon-inspired entertainment. So, escape the heat for a day filled with family-friendly festivities. We promise it'll be a great time!
Date: June 15-17, 2023
Location: Stockdale City Park
Also, don’t forget
Grapeland Watermelons at Pennington Melon Shed GrapelandTX
Rush Springs Watermelon Festival on Aug 12.
We apologize if there's a watermelon festival that's not on the list! If you know of any festival that's supposed to be on this list, let us know in the comments below!
Prepare for a vibrant fusion of music, culture, cuisine, and entertainment as Texas springs to life with an impressive lineup of events in 2023.
