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All » Texas Foodies » Texas Talent » Sweet Life Presents Texas Talent – Tony Anderson from What-A-Melon in Edinburg, Texas – Watermelon with Roasted Peach Pepper Vinaigrette

Sweet Life Presents Texas Talent – Tony Anderson from What-A-Melon in Edinburg, Texas – Watermelon with Roasted Peach Pepper Vinaigrette

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Happy Monday to all and welcome to my second installment of Texas Talent, where I showcase talented Texans who live, love and work in the Texas food industry. Today I have the honor of interviewing Tony Anderson from What-A-Melon located locally here in Edinburg, Texas.  I knew the instant I tasted Tony’s wonderfully sweet watermelons, that I had to chat with him.  My love for watermelons runs deep beginning with fond childhood memories to present day daily indulgences.  In the past before I began blogging I don’t think I appreciated the time, patience and love that went into growing these highly addictive melons.  I was much too consumed with my melon fetish that I put aside the wonderful farmers who bless me each year with their produce.   In researching I found that Texas ranks 3rd in production in the US and almost 42,000 acres here are devoted to provide us with a perfectly sun kissed product.  Tony’s family has been growing watermelons since the 1960s and after purchasing many of his red jewels, I  can clearly understand why his family business thrives and I hope they continue to offer us many more years of wonderful watermelons.  Let’s chat with Tony for awhile and move on to our featured recipe.  Please help me in thanking Tony for his ever sweet product, and offer our condolences to Tony for his father Deroy Anderson recently passed.  I am certain Tony will continue his father’s great work and look forward to enjoying many more watermelon from What -A -Melon. Enjoy, Sweet Life

 Sweet Life – Hello Tony , welcome can you please give  my readers a little background into your family business, What- A- Melon.

Tony-   WhatAMelon is the brand name for Anderson Produce. My dad, Deroy Anderson, started growing watermelons in the 1960’s with his father, JT,  in Yoakum county in west Texas. At first they would grow and harvest the watermelons and sell them to watermelon “brokers” who would travel around buying watermelons from different growing areas throughout the season. Watermelons were a supplement to farming cotton and grain and raising cattle until the late seventies. After some setbacks in the cattle market, my Dad decided to focus full time on watermelons. It is a decision he never regretted. Over the next decades, his insistence on quality helped build Anderson Produce and it’s marketing arm, Texas Melon Exchange, into one of the largest watermelon shipping operations in the country.

 

 

Sweet Life- What is the process in selecting only the finest melons for your consumers?

Tony-     Moving an army is a better description of the process. We ship watermelons from our packing facility in Edinburg from November through June. We then move several truckloads of equipment and a small army of people to Midland Texas. We then repeat the process and move it all to Plains Texas. When the harvest is finished in Plains we move it all back down to Edinburg.  The people are what allows us to ship the best watermelon day in and day out. You have to have experienced people to select the ripe watermelons from the  fields, and then grade the watermelons at the packing facility.  My father passed away last week, and a big part of his legacy will be the group of people he put together, many who have been with him more than 20 years, and one who worked with him for 44 years.

Thanks Tony and  please stop by Wednesday  as we continue our chat.  Shall we enjoy watermelon?  What if you combined fresh Texas watermelon and Texas peaches in a sweet, savory salad.  Roasting the peaches on high temp allows them time to release their juices, making for easy processing. Add good olive oil and freshly ground pepper drizzle on slices of watermelon for a perfect side salad for your next meal. Easy, quick and tasty, really what else could you ask for. Enjoy!

Stop by and check out What-A-Melon’s site.   Above picture taken at What-A-Melon location.

What – A – Melon  

 

 Watermelon with Roasted Peach Pepper Vinaigrette

by Sweet Life

by Vianney Rodriguez

serves 4

4 peaches, halved seed removed

olive oil

salt

freshly ground pepper

 

Place peach halves on roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil.

Broil on high heat until lightly charred.

Place peaches in food processor and begin to process, slowly add olive oil to thin slightly.

Taste and add salt.

Process again adding freshly ground pepper, add pepper to your taste,  season with salt if needed.

 

Want more watermelon? try agua de sandia… click here..

Loving the Sweet Life, hey subscribe and enjoy each recipe sent directly to your email…

(oh and lastly all pictures and words are mine, yes mine, don’t be sleazy and steal work..it’s copyrighted, yup all mine…love ya! Sweet Life)

 

 

Appetizers// Side Dishes// Texas Talent39 Comments

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« Sopa de Chayote y Espinaca by Chef Thelma Morgan
Sweet Life Presents Texas Talent- Tony Anderson from What-A-Melon in Edinburg, Texas – Watermelon with Spicy Papaya »

Comments

  1. Kathe Colton says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:14 pm

    I have been out of the loop for several years, and did not know that Deroy had died. I have thought of him often, and fondly, over the years. What-A-Melon is, has always been, and will always be, the best watermelon grown!

    Reply
  2. adelina says

    September 28, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    • May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead Deroy was great man. Knew him in Dilley Texas

    Reply
  3. OysterCulture says

    September 20, 2010 at 4:23 am

    Oh my goodness, this just sounds so tasty and refreshing, I have to run out and get a watermelon. What a wonderful interview. I love that you showcase the local producers. Too cool!

    Reply
  4. Simply Life says

    September 18, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    I love the photos and now I want watermelon!

    Reply
  5. cassie says

    September 17, 2010 at 7:31 am

    We love you pawpaw!! Look down and be proud, you’ve left more than a legacy, you left a family that loves you and will continue to folow in your footsteps 🙂 We’re proud to be Anderson’s and/or know Anderson’s

    Reply
  6. A Canadian Foodie says

    September 17, 2010 at 3:01 am

    I love you r idea of featuring a local producer. They so deserve it, don’t they? I think I should do the same… I just did a post about my favourite Saturday morning grocery picks, which introduced a lot of my personal providers to my local reading community. I meed to do more. Thanks for the motivation!
    🙂
    Valerie

    Reply
  7. Eric Zey says

    September 16, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    I know first hand that Tony Anderson “is a chip off the old block”. These are quality people that always ship the best of the harvest.
    For over 25 years I’ve never stopped enjoying their wonderful watermelon.

    Reply
    • bonnie says

      September 17, 2010 at 3:03 am

      @ Eric…thanks for stopping by

      Reply
  8. Drick says

    September 15, 2010 at 5:46 pm

    so unique, the flavors must be awesome…. great job with the interview, interesting as usual…

    Reply
  9. Sanjeeta kk says

    September 15, 2010 at 1:39 pm

    Lovely and refreshing recipe!

    Reply
  10. jen cheung says

    September 15, 2010 at 5:19 am

    great interview girl. love the recipes !!! you’ve done a great job 🙂

    have a lovely day lady.
    jen

    Reply
  11. Joanne says

    September 15, 2010 at 5:13 am

    What a fun interview! we always have watermelon around the house. It’s so perfect to grab for a midday snack!

    I really should start using it in other incarnations though. Like this salad for instance…

    Reply
  12. Paz says

    September 15, 2010 at 4:42 am

    You make the best recipes! Love it!

    Paz

    Reply
  13. 5 Star Foodie says

    September 15, 2010 at 3:19 am

    Great interview and the roasted peach pepper vinaigrette sounds amazing over watermelon! Gorgeous!

    Reply
  14. Ali @ Three Baking Sheets says

    September 14, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Great interview, great recipe (I’m dying to know what the watermelon tastes like paired with that sweet and zesty vinaigrette) and I really enjoyed reading about Tony’s company.

    Love the series, looking forward to the next installment 🙂

    Reply
  15. Alex aka Ma What's For Dinner says

    September 14, 2010 at 9:01 pm

    Sounds totally bizarre yet terribly tantalizing!!! I’m going to have to try that.

    Lots of yummy love,
    Alex aka Ma What’s For Dinner
    http://www.mawhats4dinner.com

    Reply
  16. Juliana says

    September 14, 2010 at 7:47 pm

    Nice interview…and the watermelon with the peach sauce looks awesome…what a great and refreshing combination…the photos are great!

    Reply
  17. Kristen says

    September 14, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    What a fun interview. That watermelon cut so pretty looks so good. I bet it was delicious with the peach vinaigrette!

    Reply
  18. Blond Duck says

    September 14, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    This series was such a great idea!

    Reply
  19. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    September 14, 2010 at 11:17 am

    What a great story and indeed a great series! It’s always great to know more about the people behind the food that we eat 🙂

    Reply
  20. fattydumpling says

    September 14, 2010 at 5:44 am

    Ooo, girl, I hope that you are feeling totally awesome again after your illness. Thanks for interviewing Tony–it really helps to put a face to those who have been helping us in the city survive with their hard work in growing food. That watermelon dish that you’ve cooked up looks so cute…

    Reply
  21. denise @ quickies on the dinner table says

    September 14, 2010 at 4:51 am

    A truly enlightening read – I’ll never look at watermelon the same again!

    Love the dressing and your quirky presentation!

    P/s – can I sit with you and Stella too? I spit real good 😀

    Reply
  22. tigerfish says

    September 14, 2010 at 4:48 am

    I like that name What-A-Melon too! And nice cut-out slices from these luscious melons. I can put (blend) that into my ice pops 🙂

    Reply
  23. Biren @ Roti n Rice says

    September 14, 2010 at 4:43 am

    Nice interview with Tony. That vinaigrette and watermelon sounds like an interesting combo.

    Reply
  24. Baking is my Zen says

    September 13, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    Watermelon is my favorite fruit! The Peach Pepper Vinaigrette sounds delish.

    Nice interview with Tony. Sorry to read about his dad.

    Carmen

    p.s. Have you experienced people stealing your photography?

    Reply
    • bonnie says

      September 14, 2010 at 3:26 am

      @Carmen… I have not had anything stolen, thanks goodness…but my copyright button has not been working and it’s frustrating me..so I left my own litte note, lol
      hugs, bonnie

      Reply
  25. Monet says

    September 13, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    As a new Texan…I’m so enjoying these Texas Talent Posts! I love watermelon, and I’ve found that the local watermelons are just delicious. I love the recipe that you included in your post…such a unique choice. Thank you for sharing with me, and I hope you have a wonderful week.

    Reply
    • bonnie says

      September 14, 2010 at 3:28 am

      @Monet..oh Monet your comments are always so nice, thanks girl … I LOVE the local melons..delish!!

      bonnie

      Reply
  26. Design Wine and Dine says

    September 13, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    That recipe and those pictures are beautiful! I love recipes like this, unexpected, unique, savory and sweet! Love it!

    Thanks for sharing Tony’s story. Sounds like his father was a smart, smart man and sounds like he left the business in the capable hands of Tony – who will continue making him proud!

    Reply
  27. FOODESSA says

    September 13, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    Bonnie…I would literally bathe in fresh lusciously sweet watermelon…and no ancho this time ;o) Your vinaigrette is very versatile…thanks.
    BTW…thanks for leaving me a note on the chile peppers less seed method…I promise, I’ll give it a fair shake the next time I’m approached with such a fiesty dish ;o)

    Love the WhatAMelon name for the brand…brilliant.

    It’s nice of you to showcase your pride in your state of Texas ;o)

    Ciao for now and flavourful wishes,
    Claudia

    Reply
  28. DessertForTwo says

    September 13, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    I love your Texas Talent posts! Keep ’em comin’! 🙂

    Reply
  29. Belinda @zomppa says

    September 13, 2010 at 8:44 pm

    A watermelon exchange? I had no idea Texas was #3. Gorgeous photos!

    Reply
  30. Stella says

    September 13, 2010 at 8:12 pm

    Hey Bonnie! This is a wonderful post. I often wonder why people aren’t more interested in the farmers who painstakingly grow their food and what techniques they use.
    The watermelon produced by What-a-Melon looks beautiful. And I love that photo of the slices-makes me want one;) Would you sit outside with me and spit seeds (smile)? Oh, and I love hearing a farmer say that they no longer have to sell to a broker. That’s great!
    Wonderful post, Bonnie. Stella

    Reply
    • bonnie says

      September 14, 2010 at 3:40 am

      @Stella….oh girl I would sit outside with you all day and spit seeds, but get ready for chuls and pips to join us, lol their like chicle…(gum) lol
      bonnie

      Reply
  31. Rosa says

    September 13, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    What an interesting recipe: Although I am not a big fan of watermelon, that vinaigrette sounds very tempting.

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Reply
  32. Hannah says

    September 13, 2010 at 7:39 pm

    I absolutely adore watermelon and eat it every day of summer, but rarely ever dress it up at all. This sounds like a very different but delicious approach!

    Reply
  33. Lazaro says

    September 13, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    Very interesting read and a wonderful idea to highlight local talent.

    Bravo!

    Reply
  34. Sommer @ A Spicy Perspective says

    September 13, 2010 at 5:56 pm

    Wonderful interview, Bonnie! I LOVE the idea of peach dressing on watermelon–what a bright, fresh combo!

    Reply

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Welcome to Sweet Life.

I'm Vianney, an Award-Winning Food Blogger, Recipe Developer and the Author of The Tex-Mex Slow Cooker and Latin Twist. Here in South Texas, we love to entertain and spend time in the company of good people. Sweet Life is a celebration of that connection and the vibrant, unique culture of South Texas.

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