Program Information

Available from mid-July through September, Virginia's watermelons rank 19th among Virginia's major crops. Watermelon contain many important vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamins A, B6, and C -- as well as potassium. Watermelon also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that could help reduce your risk of certain types of cancers.

ABCs of Agriculture informs about Virginia's farming community and how it affects you. ABCs of Agriculture are produced by the Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) - an educational program which encourages and enhances agricultural literacy in Grades K-5 and 6-8.

Transcript

Brad: Hello, and welcome to the ABC’s of Agriculture! We’re here today to talk about the letter W, which stands for watermelon…

This sweet summertime treat is one of the more popular vegetable offerings from Virginia farms each year. Southampton County in southeast Virginia has traditionally been our largest watermelon producing area. Available from mid-July through September, Virginia watermelons rank 19th among Virginia’s major crops, earning farmers more than $2 million in 2001. But if you pay $5 dollars for a 20 pound watermelon, the farmer will receive only about a dollar out of that amount.

A two-cup serving of watermelon contains many important vitamins and minerals, like vitamins A, B6 and C, along with potassium. Watermelon also contains lycopene, an antioxidant that could help reduce your risk of prostate or cervical cancer. So watermelon is definitely a tasty option available in order to eat 5 fruits and vegetables a day, as recommended by nutritional experts.

How do you pick a ripe watermelon? Like all melons, it should ripen in the field before it’s harvested. Look on the belly of the melon – if it’s a buttery yellow color instead of greenish-white, it should be ripe.

For the ABC’s of Agriculture, I’m Professor Brad… see you next time!

Virginia Standards