INDIANA – The State of Indiana accounts for 6% of all watermelon production in the United States and more than 70% are produced in Knox County. Indiana ranks 5th in watermelon production in the United States.
Drivers in Daviess, Jackson and Knox County, and surrounding communities will see an increase in farm equipment and buses transporting workers and watermelons.
It is now time to begin harvesting those watermelons. Most of that harvest will take place within 15 miles east and west of a 50-mile corridor running along US 41 in Knox County.
Each harvesting season, more than 7,500 acres of watermelons are harvested.
Watermelon harvest time means those watermelon buses and other heavy machinery will be out on state roads.
The Indiana Department of Transportation says to be sure to give these vehicles plenty of room and space on the roadway.
Consider the following facts about watermelons:
- The watermelon fruit is about 90 percent water.
- More than 1,200 varieties of watermelon are grown worldwide.
- Watermelons vary in size from the 5-pound Sugar Baby to the 40-pound Jubilee.
- It takes a watermelon 80 to 95 days to become full-grown, and it is 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.
- Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, the watermelon is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamins B6 and B1.
Bigger is not always better. The best watermelons are average-sized compared to the others around it but should always feel heavy for their size. An oval (elongated) shaped watermelon will be more watery while a round-shaped watermelon will be sweeter.
Thousands of watermelons per year are transported on local roadways on converted school buses.
Motorists are urged to slow down, pay attention, and give plenty of space when driving near one of these watermelon transports.
To celebrate all things watermelon, visit Brownstown in Jackson County for the 2023 Rock the Rind festival on August 4th & August 5th at Heritage Park. There will be live music, food, artisan venders, and of course all things watermelon.
