Reintroducing the red-n-sweet watermelon

reintroducing the red-n-sweet watermelon 19818371-g.jpeg

Hot temperatures and sunny days mean watermelon is often on the menu. LSU AgCenter horticulturalist Kerry Heafner explains 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. Unlike modern varieties, the striped melon has a peculiar indentation on the blossom end.

These and others released from the research station were created for local markets. They have a very thin rind compared to those 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.

Related Stories
Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.
Donald Chase of Chase Farms joined us to discuss drought conditions, planting progress, input costs, and the outlook for Georgia agriculture.
For Chrystal Castelloe, farming is more than her job. It is a sense of freedom. The North Carolina Farm Bureau takes us to Castelloe Farms and Sale Barn Farm to learn her story.
Partnership helps power homes while supporting a fifth-generation farm
Silver fox rabbits, Belgian horses among those making a comeback
The massive Morill wildfire left Nebraska ranchers facing major losses, as relief funds and federal aid step in to support recovery efforts.

Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
“America’s Gospel Music” presents the nation’s premiere Gospel Music artists live in concert from The Wonders Center in Dickson, Tennessee.
Analiese Gregory is taking one of the biggest risks of her life: she’s left her successful career as a restaurant chef and bought a century-old cottage at the bottom of the world, in pristine Tasmania, Australia. We share her journey of discovery as she gets under the skin of her new home – and learns to live seasonally off the land, by hunting, fishing, and foraging.
RFD+ EXCLUSIVE | This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
RFD-TV’s newest music series, “On the Record,” presented by John Deere, takes viewers on a journey through the heart of country music. Hosted by renowned broadcaster, Suzanne Alexander, the show features long-form interviews with today’s biggest artists and the veterans who inspired them. “On the Record” also gives viewers a front row seat to intimate performances and exclusive music video releases, highlighting the broad scope of Nashville’s talent.
“Texas Our Texas” – a magical place. A place of land and legend. A place like no other. People come here to touch it, to feel the passion, to soak it in and be a part of it. Hosted by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller. Let’s ride!