Reintroducing the red-n-sweet watermelon

Hot temperatures and sunny days means watermelon is often on the menu. LSU AgCenter horticulturalist Kerry Heafner explains more about a variety developed many years ago.

The red-n-sweet watermelon was developed and released back in 1987. It was the last watermelon released from the Calhoun Research Station in Louisiana. The striped melon has a peculiar indentation on the blossom end, not seen in modern varieties.

These, and others released from the research station, were created for local markets. They have a very thin rind compared to ones that are shipped out.

Heafner says that the red-n-sweet lives up to its name with a dark red, almost red velvet flesh and Brix score of more than 10.

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