Introduction
Watermelons are the perfect summer fruit to beat the heat, but selecting a ripe one can be tricky. There is nothing worse than getting home from the grocery store to find that the watermelon you just bought is underripe or overripe. This article will teach you how to tell if a watermelon is ripe by looking at visual cues, performing a sound check, conducting a pressure test, doing a smell test, and the ultimate test which is the taste test.
Visual Cues
The first step to picking a perfect watermelon is to check the visual cues.
Uniform Color
A ripe watermelon will have a consistent color throughout – dark green with lighter green stripes. Avoid watermelons that have blemishes, bruises, or patchy colors as they could be underripe or overripe.
Golden Yellow Hue on the Bottom
The bottom of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot where it sat on the ground to ripen. If the spot is white or green, it’s likely not ripe.
Dried Stem on the Top
The stem of the watermelon should be dry and brown instead of green. This indicates that it’s ripe and ready to eat.
Sound Check
The second step to picking a perfect watermelon is to do a sound test.
Comparison of Sound between Ripe and Unripe Watermelons
Give the watermelon a tap or knock with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon should have a hollow, ringing sound, while an unripe one will sound dull.
Illustration of Tapping on a Ripe Watermelon
Pressure Test
The third step to picking a perfect watermelon is to conduct a pressure test.
Slight Give Indicates Ripeness
Gently press on the watermelon with your palm. If it slightly gives and springs back, it’s ripe and juicy.
Too Much Give Means Overripeness
If it gives too much, it’s overripe, and the flesh could be mushy.
No Give Suggests Underripeness
If it doesn’t give at all, it’s underripe, and the flesh will be firm.
Smell Test
The fourth step to picking a perfect watermelon is to do a smell test.
Characteristics of a Ripe Watermelon’s Smell
A ripe watermelon will have a sweet, fruity aroma that you can smell near the stem end. If it doesn’t have a smell, it could be underripe.
Illustration of a Person Smelling a Ripe Watermelon
Taste Test
The ultimate test for ripeness is a good old-fashioned taste test!
Juicy, Sweet Flavor without Tartness or Bitterness
Ripe watermelon should have a juicy and sweet flavor without any tartness or bitterness.
Tips for Picking the Best Slice from a Whole Watermelon
You can also tell if a watermelon is ripe by the color and texture of the flesh. The flesh should be deep red or pink without any white streaks. It should also be firm but not too hard or too soft.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy it Later
If you can’t finish the whole watermelon, store it by wrapping it in plastic wrap and keeping it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can cut it into cubes and freeze it for later use in smoothies or as snacks.
Illustration of a Person Taking a Bite from a Ripe Watermelon
Conclusion
Picking a perfect watermelon is a summer ritual, and knowing how to choose a ripe watermelon is a crucial part of the process. Remember to check the visual cues, perform a sound check, conduct a pressure test, do a smell test, and taste-test for ultimate ripeness. By following these tips, you will always pick the sweetest and juiciest watermelon.
Recap of the Importance of Knowing How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon
Choosing a ripe watermelon ensures that you will get the sweetest and juiciest fruit, which will make your summer treats taste even better.
Reminder of the Visual, Sound, Pressure, Smell, and Taste Tests
Remember to follow the visual, sound, pressure, smell, and taste tests to find the perfect watermelon.
Final Advice for Selecting a Ripe Watermelon
Don’t rely on shortcuts like checking the watermelon’s weight or shape. Always do the visual, sound, pressure, smell, and taste tests to ensure ripeness.
