Celebrate With Summer Melons June 30, 2008

Here in Central Texas , a typical 4th of July picnic celebration choice is the watermelon. Texas A&M University's Agriculture Program reports Texas is third in the nation in terms of watermelon production. This leading cash crop brings in more than $50 million a year. Watermelons are grown in over 40 percent of the counties in Texas.

A major watermelon production area is located around Luling, home of the Seton Family of Hospitals facility Seton Edgar B. Davis. Each year, Luling holds its annual Watermelon Thump in June, celebrating the crop and bringing in thousands of visitors to sample the sweet fare.

Other melons also represent a large part of agricultural production in the state. Cantaloupe, honeydew and other melons bring in about $82 million annual for Texas producers.

So whether your July 4th melon is red, orange or light green, it will likely have been grown close to home and be outstandingly sweet. They are currently available in grocery stores and supermarkets, farmer's markets and roadside stands around the region.

If you are one of the many people who are not confident they can choose the right melon, the following are some tips to help you get the best ones. Once cut, melons should be eaten or refrigerated immediately.

How to Choose a Watermelon

The melon should be firm and heavy for its size with a waxy skin. Avoid melons with soft spots or blemishes.
Look for a pale yellow or cream-colored spot on one side of the melon where it laid on the ground while ripening. If there is no spot or if it is white, the melon may have been picked too soon. A deep yellow spot may mean the melon is overripe.
Tap the melon. It should make a hollow thumping sound if it is juicy and ready to eat.
Watermelons do not ripen after they are harvested.

How to Choose a Cantaloupe

Choose a melon that is firm and heavy for its size. Make sure it doesn't have soft spots, discoloration or bruises.
Look at the dimpled end. It should be cleanly separated from the vine and the scar smooth and clean. If the vine is still attached, the melon was picked too soon.
Sniff the stalk end. A ripe melon should have a slightly sweet cantaloupe odor.
Tap the melon. It should have a hollow sound.
Cantaloupes do not ripen after harvest, although they may get a little softer.

How to Choose a Honeydew Melon

Choose a melon that is firm and heavy for its size. Check for soft spots or blemishes.
Ripe Honeydew melons are greenish or cream colored. A grayish tone means the melon is not ripe.
Sniff the stem area. It should be slightly fragrant, yellowish in color and slightly spongy to the touch.
Honeydews will ripen at room temperature and turn more yellow. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Good Summer Eating

Watermelon can be enjoyed all by itself in slices or scooped out with a spoon. But all three major Texas melons can be combined into a refreshing summer fruit salad. Just cut one of each from the rind and dice into bite-sized pieces or use a melon-baller to make more pleasing shapes. Combine in a large bowl and dress with a little poppy seed dressing. It's a wonderful way to serve fresh Texas melons.

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