Farm Facts That Feed You

Melons

• In Arizona, melons that USDA-NASS historically set annual estimates for are cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons.
• Of note, Arizona cantaloupe farmers plant and harvest for two seasons, spring and early fall.
• Approximately a dozen Arizona melon growers grow for the market on thousands of acres, most of the production. Most of it is in Yuma, Pinal and Maricopa counties.
• The growers are mostly very large commercial growers; still family-owned and operated.
• One Family, the Martori’s: Since 1953, Four generations. The family markets under the “Kandy” label. They sell to all major retailers.
• Another Family, the Rousseau family: Watermelon is being harvested as we speak. They market under the “Majesty Five Crowns” label. They also grow sweet corn under the same label. Three generations farming in Tolleson and Scottsdale. On Sarival and Olive, the family hosts a Farmers’ Market that opens on Memorial Day and closes after the 4th of July holiday.
• Direct market (retail) farmers also grow a variety of melons including some unique varieties.
• July is National Watermelon Month and Arizona is the perfect place to get a sweet crisp watermelon, also considered America’s favorite melon.
• Watermelons are considered a fruit and a vegetable because of the rind.
• Watermelon is 92% water and a perfect fruit for staying hydrated during our hot summers.

Sweet Corn

• Check out our Sweet Corn video on Fill Your Plate and azfb.org
• We have a handful of growers in the valley and in southern and northern Arizona.
• Several of our direct-market or retail farmers help extend our Sweet corn season. In the valley, harvest time runs from mid-May to the weekend of July 4th. But our northern Arizona and southern Arizona retail farmers can extend the sweet corn growing season into September because of the cooler temperatures.

Go to Fill Your Plate for melon and sweet corn recipes. Searchable by product