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
Herber Valley Milk in Utah transformed a simple dairy that dated back to the 1800s into a hand-crafted cheese and dairy operation.
FarmHER Kate Edwards’ Iowa vegetable farm grows tons of food for her community.
FarmHER Leza Carter, founder of Tucson Village Farm, serves 15,000 kids a year across 100 schools, and provides 55,000 hours of education at the farm to low-income people in Tucson.
Nebraska FarmHER Hannah Borg started a new adventure, raising thousands of chickens after returning to her family farm after college.