Watermelon, Watermelon, Watermelon…

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I‘m never surprised, or shocked, by the things I  see, and learn, when I return to my Old Kentucky Home. It never fails that a local citizen has an interesting outfit, opinion at a decibel that should never be reached, or an utter-disrespect for the surrounding community, that I am immune to the illustrations of the Bluegrass state, namely, Owensboro, Kentucky. As usual, I was not surprised by the things I saw when I was home, but I was rather intrigued by the continued wisdom my (great) Aunt Faye passed along to me.

Each time I grace Owensboro with my presence, and enjoy the company of  one of my VERY best friends, and favorite family members, Aunt Faye, I spend time hearing about past stories and family drama. I’m also especially lucky to have a cooler packed full of goodies and a few good recipes or kitchen tricks to take along with me. During my last visit, this past week, I was thrilled to learn a new trick to test a watermelon for ripeness. While most people are puzzled by what coloring institutes a “ripe” watermelon or what sound means, “Put me in the cart,” I am proud to say I am not longer among those. This week I had the pleasure of having Aunt Faye teach me the “trick” to knowing when a watermelon is ready to eat (or take home from your local Publix).

I cannot explain how this works, but I imagine it has to do with gravity. So here’s the trick. Take one straw stick (either from a broom or from a hay bale), and place it parallel to the lines on a watermelon. (Make sure that your watermelon is on a flat even surface.) If the watermelon is ripe you will notice that the straw will begin to spin or gravitate perpendicular to the stripes on the watermelon. It may even make a full rotation and then stop. If the straw does not make it at least perpendicular to the watermelon stripes, your melon is not, yet, ripe.

I know what you’re saying, “This can’t be true! How on earth could a little straw spin on top of a watermelon?” I wish I could answer this, but I can’t! I am still completely surprised myself. All I know is that this old tale is real. If you don’t believe me, test it out yourself. I know that I tried it at least six times when Aunt Faye told me….and I NEVER question Aunt Faye.

Check it out for yourself: Watermelon Test.

Until next time, may your week start be filled with Magnolia, Watermelon, and ENDLESS JOY!