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Seedless, with seeds or sometimes salt are several ways watermelon lovers enjoy eating their favorite fruit.

Those shopping at Food Giant in Moody received a treat last week as the Alabama Watermelon Queen stopped by for a visit.

Jordan Skipper of Dothan makes her way across the state as the 2013 Alabama Watermelon Queen.

Educating students when visiting schools or making it her own mission to learn, Skipper is enjoying her reign.

“I’ve met so many welcoming people,” she said.

In her blog, “A Day in the Life of the Alabama Watermelon Queen,” at www.alwatermelon.org, Skipper documents her time at Kitchler Farm, her television debut and her experience judging seed spitting contests at farmers markets throughout the state.

“I’ve been on farm tours where they showed me everything from how they harvest to the production line and then over to the packing house.”

Perhaps one of her favorite moments so far this year was her visit to Mrs. Kilpatrick’s first grade class at Mixon Elementary in Ozark.

“They were all so precious and well mannered,” said Skipper. “I read them a story, made a breakfast snack, and the class ate a whole watermelon. That had to be the most fun I have ever had with a group of first graders.”’

Skipper felt at home during that event for two reasons, she plans to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Special and Exceptional Education and one of the first grade girl’s moms was a former Alabama Watermelon Queen.

A representative for the Alabama Watermelon Association, said Skipper’s duties as Alabama Watermelon Queen are to “inform the general public on the health benefits of eating watermelon, educate consumers on food safety when handling and eating watermelon, increase consumption of watermelon and highlight the economic benefits of supporting local farm agriculture.”

Often receiving a bad reputation for being full of sugar, nutritionists have studied the benefits of watermelons over the past several years.

These studies, according to the Alabama Watermelon Association’s website (mentioned above), concluded watermelon “has excellent levels of vitamins A and C and a good level of vitamin B6.”

Vitamin A boosts immunity and assists with optimal eye health while B6 produces antibodies, which reinforces a strong immune system.  

Vitamin C generates a defense mechanism for the immune system to help the body overcome infections and viruses.

Watermelon lovers eating a two-cup serving of watermelon are getting in much needed potassium. People with low levels of potassium may experience muscle cramps.

Sharing her knowledge at supermarkets, parades and festivals throughout Alabama, Skipper has also received a great gift from being an ambassador for the Alabama Watermelon Association—scholarship money.

In February Skipper makes her way to the National Watermelon Association’s annual convention in Savannah, GA where she will complete for the title of National Watermelon Queen.

Amber Nolin, the 2012 Alabama Watermelon Queen, is the current 2013 National Watermelon Queen.

Enjoying her time as Alabama Watermelon Queen, Skipper encourages others to enter the competition.

“Participants statewide are eligible to compete.”

Those interested in representing the Alabama Watermelon Association should contact Promotions Coordinator Katie Eubanks at katie.eubanks2@gmail.com.

Thrilled to have Jordan Skipper, the 2013 Alabama Watermelon Queen, at the Moody Food Giant, it’s safe to say she did her job well as several families were seen leaving with watermelons.