Supplier Story: Coosaw Farms Brings Watermelon to the Table

“Together We’re Growing” is more than a tagline at Coosaw Farms; it’s the heart and soul of their story. Since the beginning, Coosaw Farms has believed in the power of coming together to cultivate and provide. This family-owned and operated farm in Fairfax, South Carolina has grown watermelon for over four generations. Through it all, their founding principles of family, community, integrity, ingenuity and sustainability have never changed. Their bond and commitment to the land allows them to grow the freshest produce for customer to enjoy. The farms founding principles are what drew Publix to partner with them.

How They Grow

Coosaw Farms’ watermelons begin as seeds in a greenhouse. As the seeds are established, the plants are carefully placed by hand in the field on raised soil beds with a conservation- based irrigation method. The watermelons begin blooming on vines after 60 days and are ready to be harvested after 90 days.

Location is important to the farm. The nutritious southeastern soil cultivates rich and flavorful watermelons. While you can find delicious watermelon in our stores year round, the months of May through August are when watermelon is at its peak! During these months, conditions are the best for cultivating some of the highest sugars and nutrients in the summer heat. The best watermelons begin with healthy vines, good leaf cover, good roots and the right mixture of sunlight, vitamins, water and pollination.

Did you know there are different types of watermelons?

Coosaw grows a variety of them, like red seedless watermelons, seeded red watermelons and yellow seedless. Regardless of color, they are all flavorful and sweet. Since the summer of 2011, our stores have carried Coosaw watermelons during their peak months. Last year alone, we sold more than 40,000 Coosaw Farms watermelons throughout our stores.

A serving of watermelons provides 30 percent of your daily vitamin A and 25 percent of your daily vitamin C needs and is naturally low in saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol. Watermelons are 92 percent water and a great source of hydration.

Choosing the Perfect Watermelon

According to Coosaw Farms, when selecting the perfect whole watermelon, look for one that is firm and symmetrical without bruises or soft spots. The watermelon should always be heavy for its size and there should be a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground as it ripened. The taste of your watermelon doesn’t depend on the size, but how it is grown and if it had enough time to grow on the vine before being harvested.

How do You Enjoy Your Watermelon?

Watermelons incorporate well into many different recipes! If you’re looking for a fresh summer lunch, try our Watermelon and Summer Tomato Salad. You can also beat the heat with these Watermelon Ice Pops. Or, you could add a little spice to your day with this unique recipe for Thai Watermelon Soup.

Are you ready to try a Coosaw Farms watermelon? Run to the store and pick some up while it’s at its season’s peak. Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.