When Are Watermelons in Season?

Watermelon is the fruit of summer. It’s sweet and juicy with a sour tang, and you can chomp/slurp your way through a slice in a state of child-like happiness, occasionally stopping to gleefully lick the juice from your fingers.

Or you can use it in a salad or smoothie, like some kind of sophisticated grown-up.

Peak season varies a little depending on region. For most of the US, watermelons are at their most delicious between May and September. According to receipts snapped using our grocery app, sales tend to spike during spring (March, April and May) and late summer (August and September). Thankfully, a hankering for fall or winter watermelon won’t break the bank since prices remain relatively unchanged throughout the year.

Looking for something that never goes out of season? You can earn rewards all year round when you use Fetch! Download our shopping app, snap all your receipts, and you’ll be on your way to earning free gift cards simply by making your normal grocery store purchases.

Where Do Watermelons Grow?

Do watermelons grow on trees? Nope, they grow on the ground. That means residents of watermelon-growing states won’t need to watch for falling fruit during harvest time.

Here in the United States, most watermelons are grown in California, Texas, Florida, and (a little surprisingly) Delaware, though you can find them thriving across the country. Watermelons sourced out of season usually come from Mexico or Central America.

How Long Does Watermelon Last?

Watermelons are best enjoyed without delay, but they can keep well if stored correctly. An uncut watermelon can stay good for a week on the counter or for up to two weeks when left to chill in the fridge.

How to Pick a Watermelon at the Grocery Store

You know those produce gurus who can sagely select the best fruit and veggies at the grocery store after a little feel and look? You can join their ranks by following these tips on how to tell if a watermelon is ripe:

• Color: Green stripes should be a deep, dark color, while the pale one should be a creamy yellow. You can avoid overripe watermelons by picking ones that are dull rather than shiny.
• Field Spot: This large, discolored spot shows where the watermelon sat on the ground as it grew. A creamy yellow or orange indicates flavor-packed fruit.
• Weight: The heavier a watermelon feels for its size, the sweeter and juicier it’s going to be.
• Stem: A watermelon that’s had time to fully ripen will have a dry yellow-brown stem.
• Sound: Yep, you can actually hear good watermelon. Give one a tap. A ripe fruit with plenty of water will sound deep and hollow.
• Imperfections: Inspect all sides before you’re done. Any cuts or bruises are going to mess with the taste of your fruit.

How to Cut Watermelon the Right Way

Watermelons can be slippery devils, so always rinse and dry them before starting to cut, then use a large, sharp knife to get the job done. Pick out a sturdy surface and a cutting board that won’t slide, then trim each end and cut in half lengthwise. You can now make slices, wedges, or cubes to fit your chosen serving method.

How to Store Watermelon Properly

Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature on the counter or chilled in the fridge, but that changes once you cut into one. It’ll be fine for 3 or 4 days if wrapped well and refrigerated. For a little extra leeway, store-cut chunks or slices in an airtight container and enjoy for up to a week.

Easy Watermelon Recipes 

Watermelon gives a citrusy punch to a whole host of summer snacks, and what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t clue you in on some of our favorites? Terrible ones, so here are just three quick and easy ways to squeeze a little extra joy from these versatile summer fruits.

How to Make a Watermelon Cake 

That’s right, watermelon cake is a thing. A delicious thing, actually, and one with no refined sugar or gluten – just heaps of healthy fruit.

Ingredients:

• 1 seedless watermelon
• 1 seedless yellow watermelon
• 1 ½ cup of berries
• 1 kiwi
• 1 peach
• Toothpicks

Recipe:

1. Slice a thick section from right across the center of your melon, then trim the rind and some of the flesh into the shape of a cake layer.
2. Do the same with your yellow watermelon to create a smaller top layer.
3. Place the smaller top layer on the larger bottom one, inserting toothpicks to keep everything stable.
4. Cut the piece into slices, as well as any large berries (looking at you, strawberries).
5. Peel your kiwi and cut it into thin slices.
6. Decorate the top and sides of the cake with berries, peach slices, and kiwi slices.

How to Make Watermelon Agua Fresca 

Made from four ingredients and ready in minutes, watermelon agua fresca puts store-bought juice to shame and makes more sense in summer than fireworks on the 4th of July. It’s also a clever hack for using up any leftover pieces of fruit.

Ingredients:

• Watermelon chunks
• Tap or bottled water
• Lime juice
• Sugar (honey or agave also works if you’re keeping things natural)

Recipe:

1. Blitz the watermelon, water, lime juice, and sugar in a blender until smooth, then strain to remove large chunks and seeds.
2. Dip the rim of the glass in lime juice and then sugar.
3. Chill the drink and serve in your sugared glasses with a wedge of lime.

How to Make Watermelon Popsicles 

A fresh fruit treat that uses only two ingredients and fools even sugar-craving kids into eating healthy? I mean, how could you not? Here’s our go-to icy indulgence that pairs perfectly with sweltering summer days.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium watermelon, cut into small cubes
• Lime juice

Recipe:

• Throw your watermelon and lime juice into a blender, then blend until smooth.
• Pour into popsicle molds, leaving a half inch up top to allow for expansion.
• Cover, then add popsicle sticks.
• Freeze until set – we’ve found four hours is just enough time, but overnight will be better.

Combine Your Watermelon Wisdom With the Go-To Grocery App, Fetch

Using the Fetch receipt app while picking up all you need for watermelon snacks and treats can sweeten things by earning you points you can redeem for gift cards, which can then be used to save money on your next grocery run. Shopping your offers in the app will boost your Fetch points balance even more quickly. Just be sure to snap a picture of your receipt with our rewards app before enjoying that deliciously ripe fruit.