Watermelons
   
Season
  Year Round
 
Receiving and Inspecting
  A good quality watermelon should exhibit shape and rind color that is characteristic of its variety. All varieties should be firm and symmetrical. Watermelons should be ripe upon arrival. They do not ripen after harvesting. Ripe indicators include a dull rind, dried stem, and yellowish underside where the melon touched the ground. A ripe watermelon will also produce a distinct hollow sound when thumped. A shiny rind and a white, pale green, or light yellow underside indicates immaturity.
 
Storing and Handling
  Temperature/humidity recommendations for short-term
storage of seven days or less:
  45-50 degrees F/7-10 degrees C
85-95% relative humidity
  Copyright & Disclaimer
  PMA Fresh Produce Manual
 
Handling Tips
  Handle watermelon with care to prevent external or internal bruising.
 
Troubleshooting
  Pitting of rind; off flavor; loss of color:
These are indications of chill injury. To prevent chill injury, do not store watermelon below 41 degrees F/5 degrees C.
Mealy or soft flesh:
Watermelon is extremely sensitive to ethylene gas; exposure will promote softening of flesh. For best quality, keep watermelon separated from ethylene producing fruits. Do not store near ripening rooms.
 
Variety/Type Descriptions
  Many types of watermelon are grown throughout the United States.
 
Common Packaging
  35- to 85-lb. cartons holding various counts
Bulk bins
 
Grades
  U.S. Fancy
U.S. No. 1
U.S. No. 2
 
Storing Tips
  Keep watermelon away from ethylene producing fruits and ripening rooms.
 
Sizes
  Picnic: 15-45 pounds

Ice Box: 5-15 pounds

Seedless: 10-25 pounds

Yellow: 10-30 pounds
 
Shippers
  A-W PRODUCE CO.
PHONE # - 956-447-5551
FAX # - 956-447-5643

BAGLEY PRODUCE CO., INC.
PHONE # - 956-381-8126
FAX # - 956-381-0764

ELMORE & STAHL, INC.
PHONE # - 956-205-7400
FAX # - 956-585-0258

FARMER’S MARKETING SERVICE, INC.
PHONE # - 956-381-9811 or 956-287-2777
FAX # - 956-381-1609 or 956-287-2666

FONTERA PRODUCE, LTD.
PHONE # - 956-381-5701
FAX # - 956-381-5706

I. KUNIK CO., INC.
PHONE # - 956-686-4324
FAX # - 956-686-2855

J & D PRODUCE, INC.
PHONE # - 956-380-0353
FAX # - 956-380-0325

SAN ANTONIO COMMISSION OF TEXAS, INC.
PHONE # - 956-687-9181
FAX # - 956-682-1012

SOUTH TEX ORGANICS, L.C.
PHONE # - 956-585-1040
FAX # - 956-581-1040

VAL VERDE VEGETABLE CO., INC.
PHONE # - 956-994-1310
FAX # - 956-994-1312