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Produce Briefs...
Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Watermelon are diverse, with over 1200 known varieties. The seeds may be red, white, black, pink, spotted or brown. Their thick, hard rinds range from pale to dark green and may be solid in color or striped. Large and round or oblong, the juicy flesh also varies from pink to deep red, affecting a Watermelon's sweetness. Often the deeper colored the flesh, the sweeter the taste. Watermelon's flesh contains about 6% sugar and it is comprised primarily of water.
Seasons/Availability
Watermelon is available year-round with a peak season in the summer months.
Current Facts
Watermelon, botanically known as Citrullus lanatus, is a flowering and fruiting vine plant and member of the cucumber family, Cucurbitaceae. Since it is not a member of the genus Cucumis, technically the Watermelon is not botanically classified as a melon and rather is a specialized type of large berry also known as a pepo or false berry.
Nutritional Value
Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, C, B6, B1 as well as potassium. It also contains lycopene which gives certain produce its red hue and more importantly is being looked at for its potential ability to prevent certain types of cancer. Watermelon contains an amino acid known as L-citrulline which studies have shown can be beneficial in improving circulation by relaxing blood vessels which can aid in preventing post work out muscle fatigue if consumed prior to physical activity.
Applications
Watermelon is best utilized in fresh, uncooked applications. Its flesh can be cubed, balled, sliced into wedges or pureed. The large shell can be carved into a decorative basket and used as a natural vessel for serving beverages or salads. Pureed it can be used to flavor drinks or to make granitas, sorbets and chilled soups. Its sweet flavor pairs well with cucumber, arugula, basil, mint, citrus juice, peanuts, coconut, pecans and robust cheeses such as feta, romano and parmesan. Though not commonly consumed as a result of its bitter flavor the rind of the Watermelon is edible and can be grilled, stewed, stir-fired or pickled. The seeds as well are edible and can be roasted or dried and seasoned. Unlike most other melons, refrigerate Watermelon for best flavor.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
China is one of the largest Watermelon producing regions in the world. The melons are grown not for their flesh but for their seeds which are an extremely popular snack food in China. The seeds of the Watermelon have long been consumed by both Chinese and African cultures as a source of protein and fats. The Watermelon is also the official state vegetable of Oklahoma in the United States.
Geography/History
The Watermelon is believed to have originally grown wild in the warm regions of tropical and subtropical Africa where it was an important source of water and sustenance. Seeds, leaves and paintings depicting watermelons dating back 5,000 years have been discovered in excavation of Egyptian tombs. Watermelon made its way to the Americas via African slaves and European colonists. Colonial records show that Watermelon was grown in Florida as early as the sixteenth century. The Watermelon is widely distributed throughout Africa, Asia and the Americas. The Watermelon fruit grows on trailing vines and prefers hot dry climates during the summer months.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Watermelon. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Watermelon using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Zhanaarna village, Almaty region
Zhana.Arna watermeloms market
Zhanaarna village, Almaty region About 2 days ago, 7/30/21 Sharer's comments : Local watermelon farmers market along a highway 
Johnson Family Farm
Johnson Family Farm
Near Hendersonville, North Carolina, United StatesHendersonville NC About 27 days ago, 7/06/21 Sharer's comments : Perfect summer cool-down treat after inner tubing down the river today! 
Baganashyl, Mamyr str. 95, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Maira market
North Carolina, United StatesBaganashyl, Mamyr str. 95, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 84 days ago, 5/10/21 Sharer's comments : Watermelon season is starting with imported ones from Iran 
Abylay Khan 74, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Yubileinyi supermarket
North Carolina, United StatesAbylay Khan 74, Almaty, Kazakhstan About 91 days ago, 5/03/21 Sharer's comments : Watermelons from Turkmenistan! 
Super Indo Depok Town Center
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 192 days ago, 1/21/21 Sharer's comments : semangka 
Foodmart
Near Pulo, Jakarta, IndonesiaAbout 238 days ago, 12/06/20 Sharer's comments : semangka 
Super Indo Depok Town Center
Near Depok, Jawa Barat, IndonesiaAbout 310 days ago, 9/25/20 Sharer's comments : semangka 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 375 days ago, 7/23/20 Sharer's comments : Sangria HEIRLOOM Watermelons 🍉 from Flora Bella Organics! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 381 days ago, 7/17/20 Sharer's comments : Sweet Red Watermelon 🍉 in from JR Organics. Grown Locally! 
Super Indo Cinere
Near Ciputat, Banten, IndonesiaAbout 383 days ago, 7/14/20 Sharer's comments : semangks merah 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 386 days ago, 7/12/20 Sharer's comments : Crimson Red watermelon from JR Organics, as fresh and as local you can get!! 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 387 days ago, 7/11/20 Sharer's comments : Sweet sweet watermelon is in. Apparently summer is too. 🍉 
Specialty Produce
Near San Diego, California, United StatesAbout 389 days ago, 7/09/20 Sharer's comments : Red watermelon from JR Organics! Amazing!! 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L-27 About 419 days ago, 6/09/20 Sharer's comments : Watermelon 🍉 
pasar tanah tinggi tangerang
Near Tangerang, West Java, IndonesiaAbout 659 days ago, 10/13/19 
pasar minggu jakarta selatan
Near Jakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 687 days ago, 9/15/19 Sharer's comments : semangka di pasar minggu jakarta selatan 
pasar kebayoran jaksel
Near Djakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 689 days ago, 9/12/19 Sharer's comments : semangka merah dan kuning 
pasar kebayoran jakarta selatan
Near Djakarta, Jakarta Capital Region, IndonesiaAbout 689 days ago, 9/12/19 Sharer's comments : semangka 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 697 days ago, 9/05/19 Sharer's comments : Watermelon 🍉 
Kalivis SA
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens L27 002104810330 About 713 days ago, 8/20/19 Sharer's comments : Watermelons 🍉 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 719 days ago, 8/14/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful sweet watermelons from Weiser Family Farms 
Issaquah Farmers Market
Bautista Farms
Near NW Sammamish Rd & 11th Ave NW, Washington, United StatesYakima, WA About 723 days ago, 8/10/19 Sharer's comments : It must officially be summer in the Pacific Northwest! |
