Watermelons are moderately sized, round to oval fruits, ranging from 11 to 22 pounds.
The dark green rind is smooth, thick, and firm, covered in mottled, light green striping.
Underneath the surface, the portion of the rind that connects to the flesh is pale green to white and is crunchy with a vegetal flavor.
The red flesh is aqueous and dense with a granular consistency, encasing many small and rough, black-brown seeds.
Watermelons have a high sugar content emitting a sweet, subtly fruity flavor.
PREP: Watermelons are best suited for raw preparations as their sweet, juicy flesh is showcased when consumed fresh, out-of-hand.
The flesh can be sliced, cubed, or balled and served with bread as a snack, tossed into fruit bowls and green salads, or layered on appetizer plates with berries, meats, and cheeses.
The flesh can also be blended with ice, juiced and frozen into popsicles, mixed into smoothies, incorporated into cocktails, or used to make specialty beers.
Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature for 1-2 weeks or refrigerated for 2-3 weeks.
Once cut, the slices should be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
