My unpopular truth: I’ve never understood what the big deal was about watermelon. In fact, the flavor made me gag. And don’t even get me started on the artificially flavored watermelon candies and drinks!

It was late May 2023 when I gained access to my first lot for Mahaba Farms. There was much to do if I was going to have an operating farm by the fall, but I figured it would be a worthwhile & low burden experience to grow watermelons through the summer. Besides, the only request my husband made when I presented my crazy idea of farming in Booker Park was that I would grow yellow watermelon.

I had never tasted or even heard of yellow watermelon, but as I researched & talked to people who had, it was clear that this fruit was a WINNER.

Yellow watermelon is naturally pigmented (owing to the high levels of the antioxidant, beta carotene) & NOT genetically modified. In fact, yellow watermelon has been cultivated in its native Africa for 5,000+ years!

Externally they look identical to the red watermelons we’re all familiar with, but the yellow flesh is distinctive when you crack open the fruit.

Yellow watermelons are described as less subtle in typical watermelon flavor (perfect if you’re like me & watermelon makes you gag😆), but with the classic watermelon texture.

They are typically sweeter than the red watermelon varieties & have a subtle apricot-honey flavor profile.

The “Yellow Petite” watermelon plants have done remarkably well through the summer heat & are still flowering which might mean more yummy treats for awhile. Most importantly, I was able to fulfill my marital obligation & have some fruit to share with family.

This summer I’ve determined that yellow watermelons are fun to grow, the bees LOVE them & they’re delectable. I suppose I can now call myself a “watermelon eater.”

Don’t worry! I’ve saved lots of seeds from the fruit this summer & intend to grow even more “Yellow Petite” watermelons next summer so I can share with my “farm friends”- that’s you guys;)