Watermelon in August: Out of Season
August — watermelon season still far away.
When Is Watermelon in Season in Australia?
Australian watermelon season runs November through March, peaking in the heat of December, January and February. Watermelons are grown in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Buying watermelon out of season means imported fruit that is watery and flavourless — it's always worth waiting.
How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon
- The thump test: Knock the watermelon firmly. A deep, hollow "thud" sound means ripe. A dull "thunk" means underripe or overripe.
- Field spot: Look for the creamy yellow patch where the melon rested on the ground. Deep yellow = ripe and sweet. White or pale = picked too early.
- Dried-out stem: A dried, brown stem means the watermelon separated naturally from the vine — a sign of peak ripeness. Green stems mean picked early.
- Heavy for size: A ripe watermelon is mostly water — it should feel very heavy. Lift two similar sizes and choose the heavier one.
- Dull exterior: Shiny skin means underripe. Dull, matte surface means ripe.
Watermelon Nutrition
Two cups of watermelon (286g): 86 calories, 22g carbs, 1.1g fibre, vitamin C (25% DV), vitamin A, lycopene and citrulline. Watermelon is 92% water making it one of the most hydrating foods. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk.
How to Store Cut Watermelon
A whole watermelon keeps at room temperature for 1–2 weeks. Once cut, wrap the exposed flesh tightly and refrigerate — eat within 3–5 days. Do not freeze fresh watermelon — the texture becomes mushy.
Try These Watermelon Recipes
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