Introduction
Have you ever been disappointed after diving into a watermelon, only to discover it’s bland and flavorless? Choosing a good watermelon can be intimidating, especially with so many to choose from. But fear not, there are simple tricks that can help you pick the perfect one every time.
This article aims to provide you with helpful tips and tricks to select the best watermelon. Read on to become a watermelon-picking pro.
5 Essential Tips to Pick the Perfect Watermelon
Before we dive into the specifics of how to choose a sweet and juicy watermelon, there are a few general tips to keep in mind:
- Choose watermelons that feel heavy for their size.
- Avoid watermelons with soft spots, cracks, or bruises.
- Choose a watermelon with a uniform shape.
1. Look for uniformity in shape
Choose watermelons that are uniform in shape. Odd bumps or indentations may indicate uneven growth or may have occurred due to pests or disease. Avoid any watermelon that looks misshapen or irregular.
2. Check for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom
Turn the watermelon over and check for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom. This is referred to as the field spot, and it’s where the watermelon sat on the ground while ripening. A ripe watermelon will have a deep yellow or creamy color spot.
3. Tap the watermelon to determine ripeness
Tap the watermelon with your knuckles. If it sounds hollow, it’s ripe. If it sounds dull or flat, it’s not ripe.
4. Pick up and weigh the watermelon
Watermelons should feel heavy for their size. A watermelon that feels too light for its size may be dry and lacking in juice. Pick up and weigh a few watermelons of similar size and choose the heaviest one.
5. Inspect the watermelon’s skin for blemishes
Check the skin for any blemishes, cracks, or soft spots. A watermelon with a smooth and uniform skin surface will likely be riper than one with blemishes or cracks.
Your Fail-Proof Guide to Choosing the Sweetest Watermelon
The Importance of Sweetness in a Watermelon
The sweetness of a watermelon is the most critical factor when picking a good one. Everyone wants a watermelon that is juicy and sweet. But how do you ensure that you’re choosing the sweetest watermelon?
1. Look for watermelons with a deep color
Choose a watermelon with a deep green color. A watermelon with a pale green color is likely underripe, while a light-colored watermelon may be overripe.
2. Check that the watermelon has a symmetrical shape
Choose a watermelon with a symmetrical shape. Irregularities in the shape of a watermelon can indicate that it did not receive enough sunlight or water during growth, which can negatively affect its sweetness.
3. Pay attention to the “field spot”
As mentioned earlier, the yellow spot on the bottom known as the “field spot” can help determine ripeness. However, the darker the field spot, the sweeter the watermelon.
4. Press your ear to the watermelon to check for a hollow sound
Hold the watermelon close to your ear and tap the other end of the watermelon with your hand. The ripest watermelon produces a hollow sound.
5. Buy watermelons in season for the sweetest options
Choosing watermelons that are in season is key to choosing the sweetest option. In North America, watermelons are in season between May and September.
How to Spot a Good Watermelon: Insider Tricks from the Experts
Now, let’s hear from some experts in the field. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, there are a few additional things you should look for when selecting a watermelon:
1. Check the size of the webbing on the skin
Webbing on a watermelon’s skin is a good indication of its sweetness. More webbing means the bee pollination was strong, which contributes to sweeter tasting watermelons.
2. Look for sugar spots
While blemishes on the skin are generally undesirable, sugar spots are a good thing when it comes to watermelons. These splotches on the skin indicate that sugar is seeping through the rind.
3. Pay attention to the skin’s sheen
The shinier the skin of the watermelon, the riper and sweeter it is. Additionally, a shiny surface indicates that the watermelon is fresh.
4. Use your senses to check for ripeness
Finally, you can tap, smell and observe the watermelon for signs of ripeness. Hold the watermelon and tap it with your knuckles, pick it up and smell it and observe the stem. A watermelon that’s ready to eat should have a dry stem, be fragrant and have a hollow sound.
Master the Art of Picking Watermelon with These Simple Guidelines
To help you become a pro at selecting the best watermelon, here are some simple guidelines to follow:
- Choose a heavy watermelon with a uniform shape and no blemishes.
- Look for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom.
- Tap the watermelon to check if it sounds hollow.
- Look for a deeply colored watermelon with symmetrical shape and dark field spot.
- Check for sugar spots and look for a shiny skin surface with striped patterns.
- Use your senses by tapping, smelling and observing the watermelon.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be sure to pick a perfect watermelon every time.
The Ultimate Checklist for Picking a Juicy Watermelon Every Time
Print out this checklist and bring it with you to the grocery store to ensure you’re selecting the perfect watermelon:
- Heavy for its size
- Uniform in shape
- Creamy yellow spot on the bottom
- Sounds hollow when tapped
- Deeply colored with symmetrical shape and dark field spot
- Sugar spots on the skin
- Shiny skin with striped patterns
- Fragrant
- Dry stem
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect watermelon may seem daunting, but with these tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time. Remember to look for uniformity in shape, check for a creamy yellow spot on the bottom, tap and listen for a hollow sound, and inspect the skin for blemishes. Additionally, choose a watermelon with symmetrical shape, a deep colored field spot, and shiny skin with stripes. Use your senses to check the watermelon, and select watermelons in-season for the sweetest options. Bring a copy of the checklist with you and see the difference in taste.
Thank you for taking the time to read and learn about picking good watermelons.
