How to Pick the Best Watermelon for Your Louisiana Memorial Day

Whether you're reading this in your office chair in Baton Rouge, wasting time at the water cooler in New Orleans, or taking "some personal time" in the bathroom in Lafayette, wherever you're reading this in Louisiana you are on the cusp of summertime.

What does summertime in Louisiana mean? We have more hours of daylight, that's for sure. Guess how many hours we'll have on our longest day of the summer? You'll find that answer right here. But the longer days do tend to lend themselves to more time outside. And when the temperatures are hot that means hydration.

Now before you go grab your nine-gallon Stanley Cup, has that fad finally ended? Might we suggest a watermelon? Watermelons are the perfect warm-weather treat. Especially if you've chilled that watermelon in an ice chest or refrigerator before serving.

The big issue most of us have with our watermelons is picking one that offers the attributes we want in a melon. For me, I like sweetness. The heart of the melon should be like honey. The flesh should also be firm and not mealy, you know gritty. And the seeds should be minimal.

Believe it or not, there are certain "tells" you can look for on the melons you'll find in your favorite grocery store or farmer's market. And just because a melon comes from a farmer's market doesn't necessarily mean it will be "better" than a store-bought melon.

Buying a watermelon is Nature's version of reading a book by looking at the cover. How do you know what melon will offer you what you're looking for? We have done the research and you're welcome.