A fruit that’s synonymous with summer: watermelon. Refreshing, juicy, and sweet, it can be enjoyed solo, shared with friends, toted to outdoor picnics, and more. We dare say the red and green melon is almost iconic, an instantly recognizable fruit and flavour so many of us love.
At Farm Boy, we’re all about bringing you only the best, from fresh watermelon to products made with this sweet summertime fruit. Exclusively curated by us, we choose items we think you’ll love, each and every day. Read on to discover more about watermelon, including recipes, how to choose the perfect one, fun facts, and more! Be sure to visit any of our stores to score the sweetest seasonal finds and check out our flyer for the hottest deals of the summer!
How to Choose the Perfect Watermelon
There’s nothing more disappointing when you’re picking out a watermelon to take it home, cut it open, and find it watery, unripe, and totally flavourless. At Farm Boy, we’re dedicated to providing you with only the best, and that includes watermelon. Sourced fresh from our dedicated growers, here are a few handy tips on how to pick out the best one possible on your next visit:
- Look at the field spot. Located near the base of the melon, the field spot is where it was resting on the ground. Choose one with a field spot that’s a creamy yellow or almost orange colour, which indicates flavour. A white or pale yellow field spot means it isn’t as tasty.
- Heavy for its size. Pick up the melon you’re eyeing. If it feels heavy for its size, that means it’s juicy and ready to enjoy.
- Check the skin. A dewy glow may be what we want on our own faces, but not when it comes to watermelon. Shiny, pale skin means it isn’t ripe. Instead, choose a dark, dull, and matte watermelon – that indicates ripeness.
- Look for webbing. Webbing is the brown, web-like scuffs on the melon’s skin. While webbing might not look attractive, it’s a sign that the fruit was adequately pollinated when it was a flower. More pollination means a sweeter flavour! This imperfection is a sign of beauty when it comes to watermelon.
- Choose the round one. Round watermelons, or those with a more even shape, tend to be sweeter than their oval, oblong counterparts.
- Give it a knock. A ripe watermelon will make a deep sound when knocked, while a hollow sound may mean that it’s dryer and less ripe.
How to Store Watermelon
Storing watermelon depends on if it’s been cut or left whole. Whole melon can be stored on your counter for seven to 10 days, while cut fruit should be refrigerated and consumed within three to four days. In the fridge, cut watermelon should be stored in an airtight container to preserve its texture and flavour.
Looking to freeze watermelon? You can! Most importantly, do not freeze a whole watermelon. Not only will doing so seriously cut down on freezer space, but it’ll be near-impossible to defrost and use. Instead, cut your watermelon into cubes and remove any black seeds. Arrange the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for a few hours, until firm. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store them until needed. Frozen watermelon is great in drinks like smoothies, cocktails, and slushies – perfect for summer!
Types of Watermelon
While there are plenty of varieties of this sweet fruit, watermelon falls into five main categories:
Icebox
Size: 5 to 15 pounds
Seedless or Seeded: Both
Varieties: Tiger Baby, Sugar Baby
Mini
Size: 1 to 7 pounds
Seedless or Seeded: Seedless
Varieties: Mini Love, Sugar Baby, Yellow Petite
Picnic
Size: 15 to 45 pounds
Seedless or Seeded: Seeded
Varieties: Allsweet, Black Diamond, Crimson Sweet, Jubilee
Seedless
Size: 10 to 20 pounds
Seedless or Seeded: Seedless
Varieties: Crimson, Jack of Hearts, Nova, Queen of Hearts
Yellow or Orange
Size: 10 to 30 pounds
Seedless or Seeded: Both
Varieties: Desert King, Tendergold, Yellow Baby, Yellow Doll
Fun Facts About Watermelon
- Watermelon is a fruit and a vegetable! Thanks to their sweet taste, they’re usually considered a fruit, but technically belong to the classification of gourds, which includes veggies like cucumber and pumpkin.
- The whole fruit is edible – even the seeds! When prepared correctly by drying and roasting, watermelon seeds can be eaten like pumpkin seeds for a crunchy snack. In addition to the sweet flesh, the rind of the fruit is also edible. You can stir-fry, stew, or pickle it!
- There are 1200 varieties around the world!
- The name isn’t a misnomer: watermelon contains 91-92% water.
- The world’s heaviest watermelon was grown in Tennessee in 2013 and weighed 350.5 pounds!
Juicy Watermelon Products
Farm Boy™ Watermelon Lime Fruit Drink
Refreshing, sweet, tart, and tangy, our new Watermelon Lime Fruit Drink is a perfect summer sipper. This punchy beverage combines juicy watermelon and zesty lime for a drink that’s ideal for the season. Enjoy it as-is or mixed into mocktails, cocktails, smoothies, and sorbets. (We suggest trying some extra fizzy refreshment by mixing with our Organic Cucumber Melon Sparkling Water.) Proudly prepared in Canada, it’s only around for the season, so get it while you can!
Cut Watermelon
Carving into a gigantic watermelon can be a daunting task, which is why we’ve done the work for you! In every Farm Boy store, you’ll find conveniently pre-washed and cut fruit, ready for you to enjoy. Always of the highest quality, you won’t find any watery or flavourless watermelon here. Instead, bite into pure summer refreshment in our easy grab-and-go containers. Perfect for picnics, road trips, or as a wholesome snack!
Farm Boy™ Watermelon Sorbet
Only around for the summer, our Watermelon Sorbet is a seasonal must-try. Fruity and refreshing, this vegan sorbet is made in small batches with real fresh fruit and cane sugar. With the authentic flavour of actual watermelon in every spoonful, this sorbet is perfect on its own or scooped into a glass with our Lime Sparkling Lemonade for a fresh tangy twist on an ice cream float.
Sweet Watermelon Recipes
Fruity Watermelon Pizza
When the temperatures start to climb, the last thing most of us want to do is turn on the oven. For a dessert that requires zero heat, this fruity pizza is sure to hit the spot. Sweet and refreshing, we’ve used a mix of fresh berries, cherries, and kiwi as our toppings, but you can customize with other fruits that are in season (peaches and plums would be delicious). Great for picnics or outdoor gatherings, this easy summer recipe is also totally kid-friendly! Feel free to add your own twist to it, with optional add-ons like mini chocolate chips, rainbow sprinkles, or even edible flowers.
Suggested Farm Boy Products: Farm Boy™ Organic Plain Greek Yogurt, Farm Boy™ Cream Cheese, Farm Boy™ Pure Ontario Liquid Honey, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Berries.
Watermelon and Tomato Gazpacho
If you’re not familiar with gazpacho, it’s a cold soup made from blended vegetables, popular in Spain and Portugal. While soup might not be your first thought during the summer months, we promise that this refreshing twist will change your mind. Made with tomatoes and watermelon, this slightly sweet, savoury soup is an elegant appetizer that’s perfect for summer dinner parties. Topped with a watermelon salsa garnish, it’s an unexpectedly beautiful way to celebrate this beloved summer fruit.
Suggested Farm Boy Products: Farm Boy™ Sherry Vinegar, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Roma Tomatoes, Fresh Herbs.
Watermelon, Cucumber, & Feta Salad
Watermelon – like a lot of produce – hits its peak during the summer. Fresh watermelon and tangy feta cheese are a delicious flavour combo that you have to try this season. The sweet, juicy, refreshing melon pairs perfectly with salty, crumbly feta. This easy salad recipe is a standout at any picnic or backyard BBQ. Serve it right away for the best dish and don’t worry about leftovers – this salad rarely leaves any!
Suggested Farm Boy Products: Farm Boy™ Barrel Aged Feta, Farm Boy™ Fleur de Sel, Farm Boy™ Lemon Garlic with Honey Dressing, Fresh Watermelon.
Sparkling Watermelon Drink
Cool off with this refreshing drink recipe made with real watermelon! This sparkling beverage is simple to make and can be customized to suit your taste. Transform it into a cocktail, slushy, or float; garnish it with fresh herbs and various berries; make it sweeter with honey or agave, or leave it unsweetened with just the freshness of the fruit to flavour it.
Suggested Farm Boy Products: Farm Boy™ Carbonated Natural Mineral Water, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Berries.
Watermelon and Mixed Berry Salad with Spicy Tangerine Dressing
Summer is salad season and we love incorporating fresh fruits into our bowls of leafy greens. Along with your choice of mixed berries, fresh cubed watermelon gets added to this recipe that’s bursting with vibrant flavour. Dressed with a made-from-scratch spicy tangerine vinaigrette, this salad brings a whole new dimension to your regular backyard bowl of veggies. (Looking for added texture? Roasted pistachios or pumpkin seeds provide a delicious crunch.)
Suggested Farm Boy Products: Farm Boy™ Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Farm Boy™ Tangerine Chili Jelly, Fresh Watermelon, Fresh Berries.
