Why Are Rocky Ford Colorado’s Melons So Famous?

Certain parts of Colorado are widely associated with food, with the most famous being Palisade's peaches, Olathe's sweet corn, and Rocky Ford's cantaloupe.

Read More: Colorado is Home to the Pinto Bean Capital of the World |

It's quite impressive that Colorado is home to several "world capitals" when it comes to naturally growing fruits and vegetables, but one must wonder, what makes these food items so good?

While Rocky Ford is little more than a wide spot in the road on the state's eastern plains, there are several factors that contribute to the deliciousness of the farm town's most popular crops.

Why Are Rocky Ford Colorado's Melons So Famous?

Rocky Ford, Colorado, is known as the sweet melon capital of the world, and for good reason. The melons grown in Rocky Ford each year are easily the town's claim to fame, as even the local high school mascot, the Meloneers, is derived from the delicious fruits.

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As it turns out, it's the climate and topography of the area that are to thank for the sweeter-than-average melons.

The area experiences relatively hot, dry days and cooler nights during the summer, a fairly drastic temperature change that allows melon crops to thrive. Add mineral-rich soil and the ideal, low amount of precipitation, and you've got the perfect storm for growing the famous Rocky Ford melons.

The primary trait that makes Rocky Ford's cantaloupes and watermelons so desirable is the extra sweetness, as the town's signature melons are said to reach a sugar level of as much as 15%.

Keep scrolling to take a virtual tour of one of the area's famous melon farms: