Page 10 - June 2021

4 - H F O O D A N D N U T R I T I O N

Watermelon: The Taste of Summertime

Path To The Plate
By: Cory Ritter, September 1, 2020

Watermelons are a Texas favorite throughout the summer months and
can be an easy crop to grow in most areas of the state. They are a vining
crop that requires a lot of space. For this reason, they are not well suited
to small gardens and should be grown only in lot-size gardens in urban
areas or larger gardens in rural areas.

Watermelons grow best on a deep, well drained, sandy or sandy loam soil
with plenty of organic matter. Since they are a warm season crop they
cannot survive a frost. Watermelons are are ready to be harvested when
they make a dull sound when thumped, when there is a change in the
ground color spot, and when the tendril near the point where the melon
is attached to the cine turns brown. For more information on growing
watermelons, visit
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/library/gardening/melons/.

Watermelon is one of the most hydrating fruit you can eat – watermelon
is over 90% water! In addition, it is also low in calories while being high
in nutrients our bodies need, like potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A
and C. Watermelon contains antioxidants that help fight off disease like
cancer and may help lower inflammation. Watermelon can be enjoyed
many ways, so it is easy to get all of the nutritional goodness watermelon
has to offer in your diet. Watermelon is commonly eaten fresh, but can be
included salsas, made into sorbets, grilled, and included in refreshing
drinks to hydrate you throughout the summer.

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