Garnishing Watermelon Enhances Promotions and Educational Programs

As competition among products in grocery stores increases, producers must develop additional means of promoting fruit and vegetables just to maintain market share. There is a particular need for increased watermelon promotion because its per capita consumption has decreased in recent years (Allred & Lucier, 1991). Watermelon garnishing is an activity that can be used to promote watermelon sales in every community and it is relatively easy to make beautiful art from watermelon. The general public or specialized groups such as youth or the aged may be suitable target audiences. Individuals willing to spend considerably more time developing their skills can create exquisite, professional garnishes from whole watermelon or just the flesh.

There are several sources of training materials that may be used to acquire a general knowledge of garnishing. To introduce garnishing to novices, especially children, inexpensive kits containing patterns, a "safe" carving saw, and a plastic poker/drill are available (Pumpkin Ltd., Denver, CO). For clients with a definite interest in garnishing (e.g., caterers, homemakers, groups seeking a project to acquire funding), step-by-step garnishing instructions and over 100 reusable stencils are available along with a book containing color illustrations (Rosen, 1992). Instructions for garnishing vegetables and watermelon are included with five decorating tools (Rosen, 1985). Several garnishing tools are available from the same source. Instructions for using some of these tools to garnish vegetables or watermelon are given in a circular and a video (Dangler, 1993a; Dangler 1993b).

A watermelon promotion may also be enhanced by including material from other sources. The National Watermelon Promotion Board and vegetable seed companies have developed colorful recipe cards and other materials. A watermelon promotion is also a useful vehicle to educate consumers about the nutritional value of watermelon (Dangler, 1991c). Consumers are likely to be more satisfied with their purchases and become repeat buyers once they know how to select a ripe watermelon. Many consumers do not know when to pick a ripe melon, how to select a watermelon in a grocery store, or how to identify mature precut watermelon (Dangler, 1991b). The characteristics and development of seedless watermelon could also be included in a promotion because of the recent growth in the popularity of these varieties (Dangler, 1991a; Dangler, 1991d). Yellow- or orange-fleshed watermelon are also increasing in popularity. The inclusion of seedless and yellow-fleshed watermelon along with a range of sizes and rind patterns of red-fleshed watermelon varieties will add diversity to a watermelon promotion.

To increase watermelon sales, promotions must be organized in communities throughout the country. The addition of garnishing to watermelon promotions will enhance their effectiveness. Educating consumers about the nutritional value of watermelon, instructing them how to select a high-quality watermelon, and providing samples of seedless, yellow-fleshed, and several red-fleshed watermelon varieties will also enhance a watermelon promotion. Watermelon garnishing is also an activity that can be included in many other educational programs almost without regard to client age and season.

Allred, A., & G. Lucier (1991). The U.S. watermelon industry. Washington, DC: United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.

Dangler, J. M. (1991a). New seedless watermelon varieties. Agriculture and Natural Resources Timely Information, Horticulture Series, Auburn University.

Dangler, J. M. (1991b). Tips for picking a sweet ripe watermelon. Agriculture and Natural Resources Timely Information, Horticulture Series, Auburn University.

Dangler, J. M. (1991c). Watermelon, a delicious, nutritious snack. Agriculture and Natural Resources Timely Information, Horticulture Series, Auburn University.

Dangler, J. M. (1991d). Where do seedless watermelon come from? Agriculture and Natural Resources Timely Information, Horticulture Series, Auburn University.

Dangler, J. M. (Director). (1993a). Vegetable garnishing featuring watermelon and vegetable carving [Videotape]. (Available form Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849-5408).

Dangler, J. M. (1993b). Watermelon carving tips (Circ. ANR-784). Auburn University: Alabama Cooperative Extension Service.

Rosen, H. (1985). Melon garnishing. Elberon, NJ: International Culinary Consultants.

Rosen, H. (1992). How to garnish. Elberon, NJ: International Culinary Consultants.