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Watermelon consists of about 90% water, helping you stay hydrated on a hot summer day. Plus, Indiana is a top producer of this fruit. Check out a few fun facts to learn more about this seasonal favorite.
- Indiana ranks No. 5 for watermelon production in the U.S.
- In 2023, Indiana produced 3.2 million hundredweight of watermelon, worth $48.9 million.
- 7,000 acres of watermelon are planted annually in Indiana.
- More than 70% of Indiana’s watermelon production is in and around Knox County.
- Watermelon is the most consumed variety of melon in the U.S.
- Watermelon varieties fall into four main categories: seeded, seedless, icebox and yellow/orange.
- It takes 80 to 95 days for a watermelon to fully mature.
- Watermelons are ready to harvest when the part of the rind touching the ground changes from white to pale yellow.
- Scientists believe the watermelon originated in tropical Africa.
- Watermelon gets its red color from lycopene, an antioxidant also found in tomatoes.
See more: 10 Melon Recipes for a Cool Summer Treat
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Sources: Farm Flavor, Illiana Watermelon Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture
