When Is Watermelon in Season?
Although watermelon is available year round, domestic watermelon is in its peak season from May through August. Imported watermelon is in its peak season from March through May.
The U.S. is the leading exporter of watermelon, with most being produced in Texas, Georgia, Florida and California. The sweet fruit travels to other countries like Russia, Bermuda, Japan, Mexico and France. Watermelon originally came to the U.S. from South Africa.
Watermelons are pepos, large berries with thick rinds and fleshy, juicy fruit. They are called melons, but are not a member of the Cucimis family, a family that other melons belong to. They come in a variety of colors but most have a green rind. The inside fruit can range from red to white.
Japan grows a unique, square watermelon. They do this by placing the fruit in a square, glass box and allowing the fruit to grow to the shape of the box. They are typically much more expensive than their spherical cousins, but they are easier to stack for transport and easier to store at home, usually in the refrigerator.
Watermelon rinds are edible. They have a bitter flavor so most people avoid them but they are sometimes picked or used as a vegetable.
