As the summer sun settles over our region, the temperatures are soaring, and there is no better way to stay hydrated and refreshed than with a slice of vine-ripened, local watermelon. With July marking the absolute peak of the North Carolina harvest, our local farmers are currently bringing in some of the sweetest crops of the year.
Whether you are heading to a dedicated market or pulling over to one of those iconic roadside trucks where the tailgate is down and the melons are stacked high, use these simple tips to ensure you bring home the absolute best melon for your family’s table.
The Pro’s Checklist for the Perfect Melon
Before you make your purchase, look for these three signs of a perfectly ripened fruit:
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The Field Spot (The Belly): Turn the watermelon over. You are looking for a creamy, buttery yellow patch where the melon rested on the ground. If that spot is white or pale green, it was picked too early. A deep yellow means it had plenty of time to ripen on the vine.
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Weight Matters: Pick up a few melons of similar size. The heaviest one for its size is generally the one with the highest water content—which is exactly what we need during these record-breaking heat days.
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The Webbing: Look for brown, web-like scarring on the rind. It might not look pretty, but that “sugar webbing” is a great indicator that the bees pollinated the flower multiple times, which usually results in a much sweeter fruit.
Support Your Neighbors: Where to Shop Local
There is no substitute for fresh, farm-to-table produce. Keep an eye out for those local growers parked on the side of the road with their tailgates down—often some of the best fruit in the county is found at these humble, temporary setups. By shopping at these spots or the established markets below, you are supporting the families that keep our region thriving.
Featured Locations
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Heritage Fresh Market | 20 Sellers Road NW, Supply
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Angie’s Fresh Produce | 4447 Long Beach Road SE, Southport
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Butler’s Farm Market | 5600 Ocean Highway W, Shallotte
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Indigo Farms Market | 1542 Hickman Road NW, Calabash
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Oak Island Farmers Market | SE 49th Street, Oak Island, Mondays, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Robinson Produce Farms | 607 N. JK Powell Blvd., Whiteville
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Livingston Creek Farmers Harvest | 49 Harvest Circle, Bolton
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Columbus County Community Farmers Market | 132 Government Complex Road, Whiteville
Publisher’s Note: As we navigate this period of intense heat, please remember to check in on elderly neighbors and keep plenty of water on hand. Supporting our local agricultural community ensures we keep fresh, nutritious options accessible to everyone in our region. Happy picking!
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