FAQs
What's so special about fruit grown in the Southeast and more specifically, 'Coosaw Farms'?
Our fruit is grown with heart. The Southeast is a patchwork quilt of farms, farming families, and organizations that are so dedicated to the land and its ability to cultivate the purity of fruit. There is immense dedication to the crop and each new season for us personally here at Coosaw Farms. Behind our flavor is a tremendous amount of personal attention to every element of growing, harvesting, packing, and shipping. Each piece of fruit carries our truest efforts.
Our soils and climate create rich flavorful blueberries and watermelons that define the flavors of Spring and Summer. It’s embraced by the letters and emails we receive letting us know there's been anticipation all year for ‘Coosaw Farms’ to be in the local stores again.
Is your product traceable?
Yes. Coosaw Farms is committed to the responsibilities in the revised U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Requirements (COOL) and the Produce Traceability Initiative.
Country of Origin is easy - USA - ALWAYS - We ONLY grow in the USA and in addition, we only sell what we actually grow ourselves!
From PTI case labels on our packaging that link us to our fields, the harvest date, our packing house and pack date, to product-level country of origin labeling and traceability, we ardently work toward the peace of mind a documented link from us, your grower, to the received product offers.
Are your blueberries GMO?
Nope. (We like easy questions.)
Are your watermelons GMO?
Nope. (Another easy question. Thanks!)
Is there a taste difference between seeded and seedless watermelons or yellow versus red?
Vividness in color, taste and texture come varietally whether seeded or seedless in watermelons. There are hundreds of varieties of seeded watermelons from heirloom to modern as well as seedless. Watermelons keep getting better and better. The naturally sweet drool-as-we-hover-over-the-kitchen-sink is irreplaceable! Have fun and enjoy your watermelon foremost!
When is the best time to buy a watermelon?
I buy watermelons all year because they are so healthy. But to find a watermelon grown locally, summer months like May through August when day length is longer and the sun's light intensity is greatest in red and far-red light can offer prime results. From a plant physiology perspective, this peak-summer light reaction makes the plant more efficient in photosynthesis and the production of sucrose and fructose (sugar). In other words, there is some credence to summer sunshine helping create extra yummy watermelons!
What tips do you have for selecting the best watermelon?
Look for a firm symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises or soft spots. Some surface scarring is normal. Lift it up. The watermelon should be heavy for its size. Turn it over. On the underside of the watermelon, there should be a creamy yellow spot. This is where it sat on the ground as it ripened amongst shady leaves and sunshine in the field.
Is there a taste difference between small and large watermelons?
Whether small in size, medium or large, it's our job as growers to understand the hour to harvest. Like nature's umbilical cord, watermelons on the vine are soaking up vitamins, turning sunshine into sugar, water into fibrous first aid manufacturing digestible, all natural, smart defense to our bodies. Their magic comes when they're harvested just at the right time, no matter their size!
Why does watermelon sometimes taste grainy or have a strong smell?
If you get a grainy or strong-smelling watermelon, it is likely a bit over ripe or old. My advice if you're planning a big event with sliced watermelon, is go ahead and get more than one watermelon. There are so many factors that can influence the condition of a watermelon's interior in its journey from the field to your cutting board. To prevent a pre-party coup d'état, just buy several. You can never have too much watermelon. They're one of the most economical servings-per-unit purchases you can get when purchased whole. You can also seek out growers or brands you like. We've had individuals email us saying they've kept our Coosaw Farms watermelon sticker on their microwave or refrigerator all year so they can look for our watermelons in their local stores when they're in season again. At Coosaw Farms, we understand that every single watermelon is an anticipated event, an epicurean experience when sliced. We work all year thinking, planning, and executing every detail trying to make sure each watermelon is an unforgettable sliced reward of flavor.
Why do you believe in watermelon?
Watermelon is so good for you. I believe in it so much I buy it all year, even outside of our own growing season. I'll always be partial to our own Coosaw Farms watermelons, but watermelons – all watermelons – are truly a miracle fruit. I have two small children and I'm over 40. Watermelon is a staple in my house because it singularly ministers to each of our own internal needs. Watermelon's A, B6, & C vitamins act as a free radical scavenger, keeps blood vessels dilated and promotes a healthy immune system. The lycopene in red watermelons is a detoxification, stopping inflammation and oxidation while watermelon's phenolics, citrulline, water, potassium, and natural sugars all contribute to smart hydration and restoration because everything is so bioavailable (quickly absorbed because our bodies like its natural form). Watermelon even has an SPF factor (sun protection) of 32 for both UVA and UVB. I couldn't be more in love with a piece of fruit!! We grow watermelons and blueberries and both are exceptionally nutritious.
