How to pick a perfect watermelon, from the experts in Washington Parish

FRANKLINTON, La. (WGNO) — Just as Plaquemines Parish has its citrus and Ponchatoula has its strawberries, Washington Parish is known for its watermelons.  In fact, it’s the number one parish in the state for watermelon production with more than 120 growers. To make sure you have a genuine Washington Parish watermelon, you need to look for the official sticker from the LSU Ag Center and the Washington Parish Watermelon and Vegetable Growers Association. “What we try to do is promote the little stickers we put on the watermelon and to let everyone know that Washington Parish grows about the best watermelon in the country,” says a smiling Henry Harrison, the LSU Ag Center’s county agent for Washington Parish. Two of the growers, Gerald and Melba Burns of Burns Farm just outside of Franklinton, are responsible for providing about 10,000 watermelons this year alone. Burns Farm raises watermelon on about 10 acres and will harvest about 1,000 per acre this year.  Gerald says the weather conditions are perfect for the Washington Parish soil. “It’s the fine, sandy soil.  The soil drains extremely well,” he tells us. Burns Farm also grows cantaloupes, tomatoes, okra, onions, jalapenos and more.  Not only do the Burnses sell their produce to wholesalers, but they also have a loading dock on the farm for customers who want to buy their fruit and vegetables directly from the farm. But people aren’t the only ones who love watermelon.  The Burnses say sometimes birds, racoon, deer and even coyotes will eat their melons in the field. If all this is making you hungry for watermelon, then you’ll want to know how to pick the best one in the store.  Click on the video button above and Gerald will show you his tried and true ways to know if a watermelon is ripe. And Melba will show you and old wives’ tale about picking the perfect melon.  There’s no science behind it, but it sure is fascinating to watch!