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The Good Hearted Woman

Home Cooking & Cozy Living

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How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes}

August 4 By Renée 13 Comments

Knowing how to pick a watermelon that is perfectly ripe isn’t a magic trick. Just remember: girls are sweeter, size matters, and your Mama was probably right. 

How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes} | The Good Hearted Woman

“When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.”

~ Mark Twain

The picture above is one of my all time favorites. It was taken on a sweltering July night in the summer of 1995, in my Uncle Russel’s backyard in Maryville, Missouri. The little girl on the left looking straight into the camera grew up to be a dedicated, compassionate teacher, and her sister is now a talented photographer with a gift for capturing light. This image recalls one of my fondest memories from their childhood, and the second best watermelon I’ve ever eaten in my life.

The best watermelon I’ve ever eaten was on the shores of Spirit Lake in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, a few years before she blew her top. It was the first of my “coming-of-age” summers, and I still remember the boy I was sitting with. (His name was Shawn, and he was beautiful.)

Coincidentally, the third best watermelon I’ve ever eaten was, like the second, grown and eaten in Missouri… and even as I type that, it occurs to me that my summer memories are as entwined with the feels and flavors of ripe watermelon as a field of vines.

This post may contain affiliate links, but don’t worry – they won’t bite.

Wavy LineHow to Pick a Perfect Watermelon

It seems like everyone has a trick or idea about how to pick a watermelon. Some are based in science, while others are wisdom passed down from our grandmas.

The tips that follow have proven themselves over time to be reliable. However, no matter how many tricks you learn for how to pick a watermelon that is perfectly ripe, there will always be a little mystery and magic involved – that’s one of the things that makes a perfect watermelon so special! 

Follow these tips for how to pick a watermelon, and – with a little luck – you’ll soon be making your next watermelon memory!

How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes} | The Good Hearted Woman

How to Pick a Watermelon: Seven Proven Tips

1. Check the “Field Spot.” 

The yellow spot, known as the field spot, is the place where the watermelon rested on the ground as it was growing. The yellower the spot, the riper the melon. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot. If the field spot is white or very pale yellow, choose another melon.

2. Look for “Webbing.”

When you see weblike brown spots on the watermelon, it means that bees touched the pollinating parts of the flower many times. The more pollination, the sweeter the fruit.

3. Avoid bumps & blemishes. 

Other than webbing, note any lumps, dents, soft spots, or other irregularities. If the watermelon you’re considering is covered with blemishes or bumps, choose another.

4. Girls are sweeter.

Did you know that there are male and female watermelons? Male watermelons are more elongated, usually bigger, and can have a flat, watery flavor. Female watermelons are usually rounder and sweeter.

5. Size matters.

Don’t go for the biggest or smallest melon in a group: try to choose an average sized melon that feels heavy for its size. A ripe watermelon will feel heavier than one that is less ripe. (I use this trick for choosing oranges, too.)

6. Check the tail.

If your melon still has its tail, check to be sure it has dried up. If it’s still green, it means the watermelon was picked too early. Similarly, the surface of the melon will turn from shiny to dull and the rind will noticeably harden when the melon is ripe.

7. Thump it!

Your Mama knew what she was doing! Go ahead and give it a good knuckle-thump, and then take note of how it sounds. You want to hear a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull, the fruit likely isn’t quite ripe.

How to Pick a Perfect Watermelon, plus 101 Amazing Watermelon Ideas | The Good Hearted Woman

101 Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

Now that you’ve picked out your perfect watermelon, here are 101 things you can do with it! 

  • Kid-Friendly Watermelon Beverages
  • Adult Watermelon Beverages
  • Frozen Watermelon Treats
  • Watermelon Salad Recipes
  • Watermelon Salsa Recipes
  • Watermelon Soup Recipes, Skewers & Savory Dishes
  • Watermelon Mix [Sweets, Party Food & Misc]

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Kid-Friendly Watermelon Beverages

Delicious, refreshing watermelon beverage recipes for the whole family!

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Creamy Strawberry Watermelon Smoothie

Photo Credit: www.earthfoodandfire.com
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Easy Creamy Watermelon Drink

Photo Credit: sarahscucinabella.com
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Fresh Watermelon Cucumber Mint Juice

Photo Credit: www.orchidsandsweettea.com
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Fresh Watermelon Strawberry Soda

Photo Credit: www.yayforfood.com
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Mango Watermelon Frappe

Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org
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Polynesian Watermelon Drink {Otai}

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Sparkling Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Photo Credit: livelytable.com
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Strawberry Watermelon Punch

Photo Credit: deliciousonadime.com
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Summer Cooling Watermelon Detox Water

Photo Credit: www.watchwhatueat.com
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Easy Watermelon Smoothie

Photo Credit: www.cleaneatingkitchen.com
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Virgin Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Photo Credit: www.coffeewithus3.com
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Watermelon Agua Fresca

Photo Credit: www.mysaladdaze.com
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Watermelon Berry Refresher.

Photo Credit: theprettybee.com
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Watermelon Fireberry Tea

Photo Credit: thenutritionadventure.com
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Watermelon Granita

Photo Credit: www.thefaresage.com
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Watermelon Kombucha Shake - Easy Recipe

Photo Credit: melissatorio.com
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Watermelon lemonade

Photo Credit: sundaysuppermovement.com
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Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Photo Credit: www.justalittlebitofbacon.com
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Watermelon, Mint and Lime Slushie Recipe | 4 Ingredient Watermelon Slushie

Photo Credit: www.jollyhomemaderecipes.com
Kid-Friendly Beverages - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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Adult Watermelon Beverages

Sweet, spicy, light, and refreshing, these watermelon drinks are perfect for your next summer cool-down.

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Caribbean Watermelon Rum Punch

Photo Credit: hearthandvine.com
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Frosé (Frozen Rosé Wine Slushies)

Photo Credit: celebratingsweets.com
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Grilled Watermelon Habanero Margarita

Photo Credit: www.easycookingwithmolly.com
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Paleo Watermelon Margarita Slushie

Photo Credit: whatgreatgrandmaate.com
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Ginger and Grilled Watermelon Cocktail

Photo Credit: ramshacklepantry.com
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Watermelon Mimosa

Photo Credit: www.imagelicious.com
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Strawberry Watermelon Sangria Slushie

Photo Credit: www.flavourandsavour.com
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Tropical Watermelon Gin Slushies

Photo Credit: buildyourbite.com
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Watermelon Breeze Frosé Recipe

Photo Credit: sparklesofyum.com
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Watermelon Margaritas

Photo Credit: www.certifiedpastryaficionado.com
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Watermelon Margarita Slush Bucket

Photo Credit: www.3yummytummies.com
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Watermelon Mojito

Photo Credit: themissinglokness.com
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Watermelon Mojitos

Photo Credit: celebratingsweets.com
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Watermelon Sangria

Photo Credit: 2cookinmamas.com
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Watermelon White Wine Slushies

Photo Credit: buildyourbite.com
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Watermelon Wine Slush

Photo Credit: wanderlustandwellness.org
Adults-only Beverages - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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Frozen Watermelon Treats (Ice cream, Popsicles & Sorbet)

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Kiwi Watermelon Fruit Popsicles

Photo Credit: foodwithfeeling.com
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Watermelon Popsicles

Photo Credit: ditchthewheat.com
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Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles

Photo Credit: www.homeandplate.com
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Frozen Watermelon Drink Recipe

Photo Credit: yallcomeeat.com
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Watermelon Ice Cream

Photo Credit: jonesinfortaste.com
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Watermelon Italian Ice Recipe

Photo Credit: www.shelovesbiscotti.com
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Watermelon Margarita Popsicles (No Added Sugar)

Photo Credit: www.saltandlavender.com
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Watermelon Sorbet

Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Frozen Treats - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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Watermelon Salad Recipes

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Grilled Watermelon Steak

Photo Credit: www.shelovesbiscotti.com
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Refreshing Watermelon Salad (Watermelon Serving Bowl)

Photo Credit: www.delicioustable.com
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Greek Watermelon & Tomato Salad

Photo Credit: www.karenskitchenstories.com
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Grilled Watermelon Salad

Photo Credit: www.gogogogourmet.com
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Kale, Chard, Watermelon & Avocado Salad

Photo Credit: fussfreeflavours.com
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Kale, Watermelon & Feta Salad

Photo Credit: www.hungryhealthyhappy.com
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Mexican Watermelon Salad

Photo Credit: www.ourhappymess.com
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Pineapple Melon Mint Salad

Photo Credit: www.servedfromscratch.com
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Red, White & Blue Watermelon Salad

Photo Credit: www.tastygalaxy.com
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Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Photo Credit: www.rhubarbarians.com
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Strawberry Watermelon Salad with Mint & Feta

Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org
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Watermelon Feta Salad with Cherries

Photo Credit: www.happyfoodstube.com
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Ultimate Grilled Watermelon Salad

Photo Credit: www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk
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Watermelon Arugula Salad

Photo Credit: www.homeandplate.com
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Watermelon, Cucumber & Jicama Salad

Photo Credit: www.therisingspoon.com
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Watermelon Blueberry Salad

Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com
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Watermelon & Arugula Salad

Photo Credit: pinchandswirl.com
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Watermelon, Feta & Arugula Grain Salad

Photo Credit: livelytable.com
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Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad

Photo Credit: www.urbanfoodiekitchen.com
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Watermelon & Feta Salad

Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net
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Watermelon Panzanella Salad

Photo Credit: wearenotmartha.com
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Watermelon Tomato Salad

Photo Credit: www.veggiessavetheday.com
Salads - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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Watermelon Salsa Recipes

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Watermelon Peach Salsa

Photo Credit: www.hauteandhealthyliving.com
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Watermelon Mango Salsa

Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
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5 Ingredient Watermelon Salsa

Photo Credit: www.acedarspoon.com
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Watermelon Blueberry Salsa

Photo Credit: www.chefcatherinebrown.com
Salsas - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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Watermelon Soup, Skewers & Savory Dishes

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Watermelon Gazpacho

Photo Credit: www.cilantroandcitronella.com
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Grilled Watermelon & Balsamic Chicken

Photo Credit: www.thecreativebite.com
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Vegan Watermelon Poke Bowl

Photo Credit: veggiesociety.com
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Grilled Fruit Skewers

Photo Credit: foodwithfeeling.com
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Sesame Chicken & Watermelon

Photo Credit: www.onionringsandthings.com
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Sesame Miso Watermelon Poke

Photo Credit: mygoodnesskitchen.com
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Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho Soup

Photo Credit: www.gritsandpinecones.com
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Watermelon Beer Baby Back Ribs (Instant Pot)

Photo Credit: wearenotmartha.com
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Watermelon Gazpacho with Feta Crema

Photo Credit: motherwouldknow.com
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Spicy Harissa Shrimp & Watermelon Bites

Photo Credit: www.rhubarbarians.com
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Watermelon Skewers with Feta & Mint Pesto 

Photo Credit: happykitchen.rocks
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Jalapeno Watermelon Gazpacho

Photo Credit: simple-nourished-living.com
Savory Recipes - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted WomanWavy Line

Watermelon Recipe Mix (Sweets, Party Food & Misc)

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Watermelon Pizza – Fruit Pizza – The Gifted Gabber

Photo Credit: thegiftedgabber.com
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How To Make a Watermelon Basket

Photo Credit: www.dontgobaconmyheart.co.uk
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Easy Watermelon Cupcakes

Photo Credit: www.eatsamazing.co.uk
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Watermelon Herb & Spice Pairing Guide

Photo Credit: motherwouldknow.com
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Homemade Watermelon Jam

Photo Credit: brooklynfarmgirl.com
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Mini Watermelon Cakes

Photo Credit: basilandbubbly.com
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Tipsy Tequila Yellow Watermelon Wedges

Photo Credit: simpleseasonal.com
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Watermelon Brie Bites - Delightful Watermelon Appetizers

Photo Credit: www.mysuburbankitchen.com
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Healthy Watermelon Pizza Recipe for Summer

Photo Credit: asideofsweet.com
Recipe Mix - Watermelon Recipes | The Good Hearted Woman

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How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes} | The Good Hearted Woman   How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes} | The Good Hearted Woman  How to Pick a Watermelon {+ 101 Watermelon Recipes} | The Good Hearted Woman   watermelon recipes collageWavy Line

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won’t cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
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Filed Under: Recipe Round-ups, Recipes Tagged With: Fruit, Party Food, watermelon

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About Renée

Renée is writer, music maker, artist, and storyteller. In her spare time, you can find her writing love songs about cowboys, exploring the moss-covered nooks and crannies of the Pacific Northwest, and making music with her talented singer-husband.

Comments

  1. blankAdriana Lopez Martin says

    July 31 at

    You are talking my love language I absolutely love watermelon alone or in recipes its is just sweet and perfect for savory and sweet applications. Thanks for all the awesome ideas!

    Reply
  2. blankAnnemarie says

    July 31 at

    This is so helpful! My farm share often includes watermelon, and I never know how to pick the best one. I can’t wait to try these tips!

    Reply
  3. blankMarlynn | Urban Bliss Life says

    July 31 at

    We are obsessed with watermelon come summer time, and this is an amazing huge round up of yumminess! I love that first photo, and I love that you have a first, second, and third favorite watermelon that you’ve ever eaten 🙂

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      July 31 at

      I actually have a fourth favorite, too, but that would just be showing off. ?

      Reply
  4. blankRae says

    July 31 at

    This summer has been the summer of flavorless watermelons despite them meeting all of the requirements for being ripe. You gathered some really great watermelon recipes!.

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      August 3 at

      I agree. So far it’s been tough to find a good watermelon – under any circumstances – this year. I’m not giving up, though!

      Reply
  5. blankAllison - Celebrating Sweets says

    July 31 at

    Such great tips! Thanks for sharing my mojitos and frose. I can’t wait to try some new watermelon recipes!

    Reply
  6. blankEmily says

    July 31 at

    Wow you have enough watermelon recipes here to keep me going forever, love this post!

    Reply
  7. blankSummer Sorensen says

    July 31 at

    Great tips! I’ve always wondered how to take the guesswork out of the process.

    Reply
  8. blanklinda spiker says

    August 3 at

    Thanks for including my recipe! Sharing!

    Reply
  9. blankRaia says

    July 25 at

    What a great round-up! So many delicious recipes to try. 🙂 Thank you for sharing my coconut & watermelon popsicles. 🙂

    Reply
  10. blankJade says

    August 1 at

    Great tips and so many great recipes! Who knew there were so many watermelon recipes out there?

    Reply
    • blankRenée ♥ says

      August 1 at

      This list is only the tip of the iceberg!

      Reply

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