Watermelon slice popsicles on a blue rustic wood background

We partnered with The Packer to showcase Watermelon and some tips & tricks you may not know about it.

Seasonality:

  • Watermelon is all year round.

Health Benefits of Watermelon:

  • Watermelon contains Vitamin A for healthy eyes and skin, Vitamin B6 for immune function and brain development, and Vitamin C to boost immunity.
  • Containing 92% water, watermelon helps keep you hydrated!
  • Watermelon contains the antioxidant, lycopene, which may aid in sun protection.

How to Select Watermelon:

  • Choose a firm, symmetrical watermelon that’s heavy for its size and free of bruises, soft spots, moldy patches and cracks.
  • The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot. This is from where the watermelon sat on the ground and ripened.

How to Store Watermelon:

  • If the watermelon you purchase was cold when you bought it, store it whole in the refrigerator. If it was not, there is no need to refrigerate it prior to cutting.
  • Once you’ve cut a watermelon, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Prepare Watermelon:

  • Be sure to wash your melon thoroughly before cutting so you don’t carry any surface bacteria into the edible watermelon flesh.
  • Using a large, sharp knife, cut your watermelon in half to create a flat surface. Then slice or chop as desired.

Fun Facts About Watermelon:

  • According to Guinness World Records, the world’s heaviest watermelon was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee in 2013, weighing in at 350.5 lbs.
  • Watermelon contains more than 92% of water, hence the name.
  • China produces over 8 million tons of melons each year.

Helpful Links:

Learn more at The National Watermelon Board

Get additional resources in our Nutrition Education Center