Click Here to find out where watermelons are grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for June.
Click Here to download an image of watermelon.
Click Here to download coloring pages for watermelon.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for watermelon.

The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt and is depicted in hieroglyphics on the walls of ancient Egyptian buildings. In more recent years, Florida has been one of the leading states in watermelon production in the United States, ranking number two nationally in 2000 and accounting for 19.2 percent of the nation’s watermelon sales.

Weighing up to 30 pounds, watermelon have a hard rind that is dark or light green, depending on the variety. Small, round watermelons are sometimes called “icebox” melons. Yellow or golden watermelons taste the same as red ones, but have bright yellow flesh. When picking a melon, look for skin that is dull, not shiny. Avoid melons with a flat side.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin C, and is provides vitamin A and potassium. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

Florida watermelons are available in Florida from April through July, and from November through December.

Click Here to find out where cantaloupes are grown in Florida.
Click Here to download a small version of the Fresh-2-U poster for June.
Click Here to download an image of cantaloupe.
Click Here to download coloring pages for cantaloupe.
Click Here for USDA nutritional information for cantaloupe.

Cantaloupes are named for the papal gardens of Cantaloupe, Italy, where some historians say this species of melon was first grown. Netted melons, popularly called cantaloupes by Americans, are actually musk melons. Commercial production of cantaloupe in the United States began in the mid-1800s. Today, cantaloupe are available in Florida from March through July.

This American variety features a raised, netted skin and sweet, orange flesh. Check the stem end for a smooth, clean indentation. A good melon is symmetrical, and the blossom end is soft enough to

Prepare the cantaloupe by slicing it in half and scraping out the seeds. The halves are often eaten with a spoon or peeled and cut into cubes. A typical shelf life for a whole melon is 10 to 14 days. Once the melon is cut it should be refrigerated.

Cantaloupe is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. One quarter of a cantaloupe contains only 50 calories and provides the daily dosage of vitamins A and C, as well as being a good source of potassium.

Click on the months below to view other featured fruits and vegetables.

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