Pint-sized watermelons

Bigger than a softball but smaller than a soccer ball. That's the size watermelon that people want, according to industry polls. Why? For a start, many families can't polish off an entire large watermelon before it spoils, gets boring, or crowds out everything else in the fridge. And what about single people? Or folks who walk to the market?

Sliced-and-wrapped wedges are fine, but they're never quite as fresh and crisp as a just-cut melon. New watermelon lovers can have the best of both worlds: mini watermelons the size of a large cantaloupe, sold under names like the Dulcinea PureHeart and the Seminis Bambino. You pay more per pound, but the price-about $4 apiece--is still reasonable.

The seedless mini melons aren't genetically engineered and have that rich, scarlet juiciness that few adults or kids can resist.

Bonus: watermelon is one of the most nutrient-packed fruits, with vitamins A and C, potassium, and lycopene, all for just 80 calories in two cups diced.

So toss a pint-sized watermelon into your shopping cart or (sturdy) lunch bag.

Who says working all day is no picnic?

Watermelon.org: (407) 657-0261

COPYRIGHT 2006 Center for Science in the Public Interest
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning