Selecting the perfect watermelon can transform a simple summer snack into a delightful and refreshing experience. In Baldwin County, the Foley Farmer's and Fishermen’s Market is a prime destination for finding the freshest, locally grown watermelons. This market, known for its wide selection of fresh seasonal produce, offers watermelons that are harvested at their peak, ensuring optimal flavor and juiciness. By choosing watermelons from local markets like Foley’s, you support local farmers and enjoy produce that has traveled a shorter distance from farm to table, preserving its freshness and taste.

When visiting the Foley Farmer's and Fishermen’s Market, you can rely on a few expert tips to select the best watermelon. Look for watermelons that are symmetrical and uniform in shape, with a deep green rind and a creamy yellow field spot indicating it ripened on the vine. A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size, suggesting high water content, and emit a deep, hollow sound when thumped. By following these guidelines, you can confidently pick a watermelon that promises to be sweet, juicy, and perfect for your summer gatherings.

Below are a few more tips to help you pick the juiciest, sweetest watermelon every time.

1. Uniform Shape: Look for watermelons that are symmetrical and uniform in shape. Irregularities may indicate uneven ripening or growing conditions, which can affect the fruit’s taste and texture.

2. Vibrant Color and Firm Texture: The rind should be a deep green with darker stripes or spots. Ensure the surface is smooth and firm to the touch. Pale color or soft spots might suggest the melon is overripe or spoiled.

3. Thumping Sound: A traditional method used by many is to thump the watermelon. A ripe watermelon emits a deep, hollow sound, which indicates it's full of juice and ready for consumption.

4. Heaviness: A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size, a trait that suggests a high water content and juiciness.

5. Field Spot: Check the bottom of the watermelon, where it rests on the ground. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy or golden-yellow spot, known as the 'field spot,' indicating it has ripened on the vine.

6. Sugar Spots: These are tiny brown freckles or streaks on the rind, known as 'sugar webbing' or 'sugar veins.' Their presence often means the fruit is high in sugar and very flavorful.

7. Size Appropriateness: Consider the size of your household and storage capability. Select a size that fits your needs, whether it's a smaller melon for personal use or a larger one for family gatherings.

8. Local and Seasonal: Opt for locally grown, in-season watermelons. These are likely fresher and more flavorful than those shipped over long distances. Supporting local farmers also ensures you get the best quality produce.

9. Instincts: Ultimately, trust your instincts when picking a watermelon. If it looks and feels right, it's likely to taste delicious.

Seedless watermelons were initially developed in 1939 by Japanese scientists who were able to create seedless triploid hybrids which remained rare initially because they did not have sufficient disease resistance. Seedless watermelons became more popular in the 21st century, rising to nearly 85% of total watermelon sales in the United States in 2014