July is National Watermelon Month, designated so by Congress in 2007. July is also the largest shipping month for watermelons, according to the National Watermelon Association (NWA).

Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits. I’m sure my annual consumption considerably boosts national consumption statistics. I’ve been known to polish off an entire large melon in a couple of days. I’ve enjoyed watermelons since I was a young kid, when my dad would buy one on many summer weekends. 

There are some trends, however, that have me concerned.

Over the past few years, the cost of watermelons at grocery stores and farmers’ markets have risen considerably. I used to consider $5 to be my limit for buying a melon. Alas, that is rarely possible these days. Last summer, I relented and paid $11 for a huge melon. It turned out to be good, but the price was a little difficult to swallow. Everything costs more these days, including on-farm inputs, so I guess it should not be that surprising.

Also, buying a watermelon can be a bit of a gamble. Through considerable trial and error, I have come to realize that finding a great watermelon at a grocery store is akin to playing Russian roulette. Many grocery chain melons are picked way too early and are tasteless. I did find a good one recently at a chain specializing in organic produce.

Better options are at farmers markets and roadside stands. I also prefer seeded watermelons. They seem to be tastier, reminding me of the melons of my childhood.

States in the delta region do not rank in the top 10 watermelon producers, but Mississippi and Arkansas have significant crops. The delicious fruit is especially celebrated in Mize, Miss., where the 46^th annual Mississippi Watermelon Festival is set for July 19 and 20.

Watermelon quality and yield is largely dependent on weather. Mississippi’s crop figures to be good this year.

Gadston Croom and his wife Megan produce watermelons and other fruits and vegetables at their farm in Lucedale, Miss. They dedicate about 50 acres to watermelon production. He told Farm Press on June 19 they are well ahead of schedule in harvesting. He describes this summer’s crop as “pretty decent.”

I didn’t know this as a kid, but in recent years I’ve learned about the many health benefits of eating watermelon. Besides the obvious hydration benefits, the fruit packs a lot of nutrition. Watermelon provides vitamins A, C and B6 and a good amount of potassium, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The NWA also reports that preliminary studies indicate watermelons contain an amino acid that may promote vascular health. They also contain lycopene, which has been shown to boost heart health.

With summer heat upon us, it’s time to find some good melons. That’s what I will be doing most weekends.