How to Choose a Perfect Watermelon

Check for a Yellow Spot on the Bottom

When it comes to choosing a watermelon, the color of the skin is not always the best indicator of ripeness. Instead, look for a yellow or cream-colored spot on the bottom of the watermelon. This spot is known as the “ground spot” and it is the area that was resting on the ground while the watermelon was growing.

A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange-yellow spot, indicating that it had enough time to ripen and sweeten on the vine. If the spot is white or green, it means the watermelon was picked too early and it may not be as sweet or juicy.

Keep in mind that the size of the spot doesn’t necessarily indicate the ripeness of the watermelon. The key is to look for a well-defined, creamy yellow spot on the bottom. So, when you’re in the grocery store or farmers market, take a close look at the bottom of the watermelon before making your selection.

Look for a Uniform Shape and Size

Another important factor to consider when choosing a watermelon is its shape and size. You want to look for a watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape, without any lumps, bumps, or irregularities.

A watermelon that is lopsided or has an uneven shape may indicate that it didn’t receive consistent water or nutrients during its growth, which could affect the taste and texture of the fruit.

In addition to shape, you should also look for a watermelon that is a good size for its variety. For example, if you’re looking for a seedless watermelon, you want to choose one that is relatively small, around 10-12 pounds, since larger seedless watermelons can be less sweet and have a mealy texture.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a traditional seeded watermelon, you can choose a larger one, as long as it has a uniform shape and isn’t too lopsided or irregular. By choosing a watermelon with a uniform shape and size, you’ll increase your chances of selecting one that is ripe, juicy, and delicious.

Give it a Knock and Listen for the Sound

Knocking on a watermelon may sound odd, but it’s actually a tried-and-true method for determining ripeness. When you tap or knock on a watermelon, you’re listening for the sound it makes, which can indicate whether it’s ripe or not.

A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound when you knock on it, similar to the sound of knocking on a drum. If the watermelon makes a dull thud or a high-pitched sound, it may not be ripe yet.

Keep in mind that the sound test may not work for all types of watermelons. For example, some varieties of watermelon have thicker rinds or may be more dense, which can affect the sound they make when you knock on them. However, if you’re choosing a standard watermelon, giving it a knock and listening for the sound can be a helpful way to determine its ripeness.

Pick a Dull Looking Watermelon

When you’re selecting a watermelon, you might be tempted to choose the one with the shiniest, glossiest rind. However, a shiny rind doesn’t necessarily indicate ripeness or sweetness.

In fact, a watermelon with a dull-looking rind may be a better choice. A dull rind indicates that the watermelon is ripe and ready to eat. A shiny rind, on the other hand, can indicate that the watermelon is underripe or overripe.

Additionally, a shiny rind may have been waxed to make it look more attractive, which can make it harder to tell whether the watermelon is ripe or not. So, instead of going for the shiniest watermelon, choose one with a dull-looking rind, which can be a sign that it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Consider the Weight of the Watermelon

Another way to determine the ripeness of a watermelon is to consider its weight. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size, which indicates that it is full of juice and ready to be eaten.

To determine the weight of the watermelon, pick it up and compare it to other watermelons of a similar size. If it feels heavier than the others, it may be a good choice. However, keep in mind that the weight of a watermelon can vary depending on its size and variety, so it’s not always the most reliable indicator of ripeness.

In addition to weight, you should also look for a watermelon that feels firm and solid, without any soft spots or bruises. A watermelon that is too soft or mushy may be overripe, while one that is too hard may be underripe. By considering the weight of the watermelon, along with its overall firmness and texture, you can increase your chances of selecting one that is perfectly ripe and ready to eat.