Kentucky Proud watermelons...

Nothing else is close.

Kentucky Proud watermelons are available from late June through early September.

(USDA photo by Scott Bauer)

Selecting Kentucky Proud watermelons

It's hard to tell if a watermelon is ripe from its outside appearance.  One way to check is to look at the spot where the melon has been resting on the ground.  If the spot is yellowish white, the melon is probably ripe.  If it's a greenish white, it is still somewhat unripe.  Look for a smooth surface and a dull, green sheen.  Some folks say you can tell whether a watermelon is ripe by tapping it.   They say if you hear a "hollow" sound, it's ripe.  But other folks say that most people can't tell whether it's ripe just from thumping it.

Storing Kentucky Proud watermelons

Unripened watermelons can be stored at room temperature for a few days until they are ripened.   Whole melons will keep refrigerated for two to three weeks.   If wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, cut watermelon will keep in the refrigerator for several days.  A soft spot won't affect the melon's flavor, but decayed spots should be cut away before refrigerating. 

A Kentucky Proud watermelon favorite...Farmer's Market Fruit Salad!

You'll need:

2 cups water

2 cups sugar

fresh Kentucky Proud spearmint leaves to taste

2 cups fresh Kentucky Proud watermelon balls or chunks

2 cups fresh Kentucky Proud cantaloupe balls or chunks

2 cups fresh Kentucky Proud blackberries

2 cups seedless Kentucky Proud green grapes

Mix the water and sugar in a 2 quart saucepan.  Bring to a boil and remove from the heat.  Add the spearmint leaves.  Let stand until cool.  Discard the spearmint leaves.  Pour into a bowl.  Chill, covered, until ready to serve.  Toss the watermelon, cantaloupe, blackberries and grapes in a large bowl.  Spoon into dessert cups.  Drizzle with the mint syrup just before serving.

Yields 6 servings.

Recipe from the "Pride of Kentucky" cookbook, published by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service.