Specialty melons become hot item at Gregg County produce store

GREGG COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - While the East Texas growing season is winding down, and the blistering heat dries up crops, one East Texas produce store is doing big business with a Texas grown item that people just can’t seem to get enough of.

The Hiway 80 produce store in Gregg County was practically packed as it opened it’s doors this morning, and for one item.

“Yes we do have Pecos, and we have plenty for you,” said store owner Allison Lott to a customer.

“So sweet and juicy,” said customer Debbie Kelley.

It’s one of the only places you can get a Pecos cantaloupe, and they are in demand by East Texas shoppers.

“We try to please our customers, and make people happy and do what we can for everyone,” Lott said.

“It’s hard to get a good canteloupe these days. And these are the best. They’re hard to get,” Kelley said.

What’s so special about the Pecos cantaloupe? Is it where it’s grown?”

Well yes. The melons are grown in Pecos county, in high salinity and potassium soil, which gives them their distinct sweet flavor. Lott just made a 22-hour round trip, bringing back four tons of the sought after water fruits.

“I watched her Facebook. Yeah. Because she has, I think this is her second trip this year,” said customer Angie McTee.

“They’re so sweet, like candy, one grower and you can’t get them,” Allison said.

“I needed to be the first one in line this morning. Something about the soil in West Texas, you can’t grow them like this in East Texas,” said customer Scott Clark.

But they won’t last long. Lott is confident that she’ll sell out the entire four tons in two days.

“I’ll probably be back in the morning with a couple more boxes,” Clark said.

Hiway 80 produce is in business year round, and will next be stocking up on pumpkins for fall.

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