Home grown watermelons are almost ripe if they are not ripe already. Watermelon lovers are anxiously waiting for that first ripe one of the season and are checking them at least once a day to see if that first one is ripe. Watermelons are deliciously sweet and healthy at the same time. A two-cup serving of watermelon is cholesterol-free, fat-free, sodium-free and only has 80 calories. It contains vitamins A, B6 and C and potassium. It is 92 percent water so helps to deliver fluid and nutrients to the body and it contains the antioxidant lycopene.
    There are more than 300 varieties of watermelon grown in the United States and South America, providing a year-round supply. The most common choices are: the classic seeded varieties that weigh from 15 to 45 pounds and can be round, long, or oblong. Today seedless varieties are the majority grown, they are considered a hybrid and just keep getting better. They can weigh 10-25 pounds and can be round or oblong. Another popular variety is the mini or petite personal sized watermelons. They are easier to handle and have thinner rinds they are round in shape and weigh from one to seven pounds. Finally, there are yellow and orange varieties that are generally sweeter than red-fleshed varieties and are just a fun surprise to try. They weigh 10 to 30 pounds and are round.

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