Telling when a melon is ready to be harvested can be a challenge, or it may be quite easy. It all depends on the type of melon. Let’s start with the easy one. Muskmelons are one of those crops that tell you when they are ready to be picked. This can help you not only harvest melons at the correct time but also choose good melons when shopping.
As a melon ripens, a layer of cells around the stem softens so the melon detaches easily from the vine. This is called “slipping” and will leave a dish shaped scar at the point of stem attachment. When harvesting melons, put a little pressure where the vine attaches to the fruit. If ripe, it will release or “slip.”
When choosing a melon from those that have already been harvested, look for a clean, dish shaped scar. Also, ripe melons have a pleasant, musky aroma if the melons are at room temperature (not refrigerated).
Watermelons can be more difficult and growers often use several techniques to tell when to harvest.
- Look for the tendril that attaches at the same point as the melon to dry
and turn brown. With some varieties this tendril will need to be completely dried before the watermelon is ripe whereas others it will only need to be in the process of turning brown. - The surface of a ripening melon develops a surface roughness (sometimes called “sugar bumps”) near the base of the fruit.
- Ripe watermelons normally develop a yellow color on the “ground spot” when ripe. This is the area of the melon that contacts the ground.
By: Cassie Homan
emails and texts to trick you into giving them your information.
July is grilling month! Many people are capitalizing on the warm weather to fire up their grills to spend family time outdoors. Before you grill, take a look at the steps below to ensure your family’s grilling will lead to a happy and nutritious experience!
With summer vacation in full swing, kids are faced with the question: “What am I going to do today?” Here are some things you can suggest to kids over the upcoming summer months to avoid the dreaded “I’m bored.”
Eating fresh local produce is always a treat and one of the best things about summer! Here are a few tips on maintaining the quality and safety until you are ready to eat it.