With the summer season in full effect, popular fruits, like watermelon, are in bloom.

Although traditional supermarkets may not have what you are looking for, plenty of hidden gems in the Lehigh Valley do.

Whether you are looking for seeded or seedless varieties, the Lehigh Valley has just what you need!

What Is the Difference Between Seeded and Seedless?

While both types of watermelon are delicious summer staples, they differ in crucial ways. Seeded watermelons have visible black seeds, while seedless have lighter, opaque seeds.

However, seedless are extremely popular, accounting for 92% of watermelon sales.

Seedless watermelons also have three genes, while seeded ones have two.

This means the sugar in the seedless watermelon focuses on creating sweetness only in the flesh rather than the seeds, as seeded ones do.

Some say seedless watermelons are better for digestion; However, seeded watermelon seeds are very high in magnesium, which is beneficial for cognitive health, heart health, and even blood sugar control.

When roasted, the sweeter seeds make a delightful and nutritious summer snack.

A cup of raw seeds, washed and dried, is placed in the oven at 325℉ for 15 minutes and sprinkled with salt. They can be enjoyed straight out of the oven!

Seeded watermelons used to be available, making them a staple for most.

Some are reminiscent of the more “traditional” watermelon, with some saying they taste sweeter and less generic.

While hunting for seeded watermelons, checking if they are marked as seeded is vital.

You will notice that the seeded watermelons are longer, almost pill-shaped, while the seedless watermelons are volleyball-shaped.

Lehigh’s Hidden Gems

While looking for seeded watermelons, these are the top spots in the Lehigh Valley area where they are located.

  • Arnold’s Market in Bethlehem: Known for its seasonal produce, Arnold’s is a staple for locals. To keep up to date with their seasonal finds, check out their Facebook.
  • Azar’s Market in Bethlehem: This market is filled with exotic and unique vegetation from around the world for anything not found in any traditional market. Check out their Facebook for more information!
  • Elias Market in Allentown: A beloved spot in Allentown, Elias Market is famous for its wide selection of fresh produce. Their Facebook page keeps you in the loop about seasonal fruits.
  • Produce Junction in Whitehall: With a vast selection of fresh produce, Produce Junction is a go-to for many. Visit their website to see what’s in stock.

While both types of watermelons may be similar, each is available in the Lehigh Valley!