Ruby Bliss™ Watermelons
Estimated Inventory, lb : 0
Description/Taste
Ruby Bliss™ watermelons are a seedless variety with a large, oval shape. They have a hard, dark green rind with subtle light green striations running the length of their exterior. Their rind is firm and smooth, requiring a sharp knife to cut in half. Beneath the rind is the watermelon's fine-grained, bright pink-red flesh. The flesh is firm yet tender, making it easy to bite into. Ruby Bliss™ watermelons boast succulent, juicy flesh with a shiny appearance due to their high water content. Their sweet, crisp taste is ideal for fresh eating and can be easily juiced thanks to their lack of seeds.
Seasons/Availability
Ruby Bliss™ watermelons are no longer in production.
Current Facts
The botanical name for Ruby Bliss™ watermelons is Citrullus lanatus and they are from the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes squash, pumpkins, gourds, and cucumbers. Ruby Bliss™ watermelons are a fruit primarily used for culinary purposes that was developed by Dulcinea Farms. This fruit grower is based in Ladera Ranch, California and produces many varieties of melons, grapes, stone fruit, cherries, and citrus. Dulcinea Farms offer various types of melons including the Sugar Daddy®, PureHeart® Mini Seedless, Tuscan-Style® Cantaloupe, SunnyGold® Yellow Mini Seedless, and Kiss Melons®. The company prides itself on growing its products under strict guidelines and ensuring consistent harvests of high-quality products.
Nutritional Value
All watermelon varieties, including Ruby Bliss™ watermelons, are known for their hydrating properties, consisting of approximately 90 percent water. Watermelons contain vitamins A, C, and B6, which support eye function, skin health, immunity, collagen production, wound healing, and convert food into energy. Watermelons are a source of fiber, which helps with digestion, increases feelings of fullness, and potentially reduces the risk of digestive disorders like diverticulosis. Watermelons have potassium and lycopene to prevent muscle soreness, regulate blood pressure, support kidney and heart health, protect skin from UV damage, prevent skin damage, and potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer, kidney stones, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. Watermelons have arginine, an amino acide that helps dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and may potentially improve athletic performance.
Applications
Ruby Bliss™ watermelons are most often eaten fresh and at the peak of ripeness. They can also be grilled, frozen, puréed, or juiced. They can be used in the same applications as all other watermelon varieties. Ruby Bliss™ watermelons can be sliced or scooped with a melon baller to be enjoyed on their own as a snack. They can be diced into salads, fruit bowls, salsa, relish, fruit kabobs, flatbreads, poke bowls, and watermelon bruschetta. Puréed Ruby Bliss™ watermelons can be used for smoothies, marinades, sauces, and chilled soups. When frozen, they can be used in popsicles, sorbet, and frozen cocktails. Though their rind is slightly bitter, it can be used in cooked or pickled preparations. Ruby Bliss™ watermelons can be paired with lime, tomatoes, marinated beef, prosciutto, brie, feta cheese, mascarpone, mint, basil, arugula, spinach, kale, cucumber, avocado, balsamic vinegar, mangoes, pineapple, oranges, lemons, apples, pears, bananas, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and coconut. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate ripe and cut melons at 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Ruby Bliss™ watermelons can be kept at room temperature for 7 to 10 days. Once cut, they should be wrapped in plastic and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Seedless watermelons, like Ruby Bliss™, are very popular in the United States, where they make up 92% of all watermelon sales. They are a popular picnic food that's often enjoyed on the fourth of July. The United States hosts many festivals centered around watermelon, particularly in California. The California Watermelon Festival started in the early 1960s and has been hosted at numerous locations throughout Los Angeles County. The event consists of arts and crafts, live music, amusement park rides, and free watermelon served throughout the fairgrounds.
Geography/History
Ruby Bliss™ watermelons are no longer commercially available. They were initially bred by Dulcinea Farms as a variety with increased levels of naturally occurring antioxidants, giving them their rich red hue. They grew in hot, dry climates and required well drained soils. When in production, Ruby Bliss™ watermelons could not be found in the wild and were primarily produced commercially. If seeds were obtained, they may have also been grown in home gardens. The rising popularity of seedless watermelons like the Ruby Bliss™ began in 1951 when Japanese Professor H. Kihara wrote about a new type of watermelon that had no seeds. A researcher named O.J. Eigsti used Kihara's writings to create the prototype for all seedless watermelons grown in the United States today. Though Ruby Bliss™ watermelons were once one of Dulcinea’s flagship products, they are now an obscure item that’s paved the way for varieties like the PureHeart® Mini Seedless Watermelon.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Ruby Bliss™ Watermelons. One
is easiest, three is harder.
