How to choose watermelon?
Quick Answer
A ripe watermelon typically feels heavy for its size and features a creamy yellow spot on the bottom where it rested on the ground. A dull rind and a deep hollow sound when tapped are also reliable indicators that the fruit is ready to eat and full of sugar.
Understanding Watermelon Ripeness
Watermelons are unique fruits because they do not continue to ripen once they are removed from the vine. This means the quality of the fruit at the grocery store is exactly how it will taste when it is served at home. Finding a good one requires looking for signs that the plant finished its growth cycle naturally.
Sugar content in a watermelon develops during the final weeks of growth on the vine. When the fruit reaches its peak, the rind undergoes specific changes in color and texture. These physical cues serve as a map for shoppers to determine if the inside is crisp and sweet or watery and bland.
Most people find that the best watermelons are those that have reached a balance of weight and maturity. Since watermelons are over ninety percent water, their weight is a primary indicator of juiciness. A melon that has dried out or failed to develop properly will often feel much lighter than it looks.
How the Selection Process Works
The most common way to check for ripeness is by looking at the field spot. This is the area where the watermelon sat on the ground while growing. If the spot is white or pale green, the fruit was likely picked too early. A creamy yellow or near-orange color suggests the melon had enough time to mature in the sun.
The surface of the rind also tells a story about the sugar levels inside. While a bright, shiny green color might look attractive, it usually indicates an underripe fruit. As watermelons ripen, the skin loses its shine and takes on a duller appearance. This change happens as the sugars inside reach their maximum concentration.
Sound is another helpful factor in the selection process. When the side of a watermelon is tapped firmly, a ripe fruit produces a deep, hollow sound similar to a drum. A higher-pitched or metallic sound often means the rind is too thick or the fruit has not yet reached full maturity. Most experienced shoppers use a combination of these visual and auditory signs.
Common Mistakes to Know About
One frequent mistake is choosing a watermelon based solely on its size. People often assume that the biggest melon will be the best, but size does not correlate with sweetness. A medium-sized melon that is very heavy is often a much better choice than a giant melon that feels light.
Another pitfall is avoiding melons with brown, web-like markings. Many people think these scars mean the fruit is damaged or rotting. In reality, these are often pollination scars. These marks show where bees touched the flower frequently, which often results in a much sweeter interior compared to a perfectly smooth rind.
Ignoring the stem is another common error. If the stem is still attached, it should look dry and brown. A bright green stem suggests that the watermelon was still growing when it was harvested. This usually results in a fruit that is less sweet and has a harder texture.
Things Worth Knowing
It is worth noting that watermelons generally come in two shapes, which some people refer to as male and female. Rounder watermelons are typically sweeter, while the longer, oval-shaped ones tend to be more watery. Depending on the desired use, such as snacking or making juice, the shape can be a helpful guide.
The weight of the fruit should be compared to other melons of the same size. If two melons look identical but one is significantly heavier, the heavier one is almost always the better choice. The extra weight comes from the high water content and dense sugar levels found in fully ripened fruit.
Storage also plays a role in how the fruit tastes after it is chosen. While a whole watermelon can sit on a counter for a few days, it should be kept out of direct sunlight. Once a watermelon is cut, it needs to be refrigerated immediately to maintain its crisp texture and prevent the sugars from fermenting.
The Clear Answer
To choose the best watermelon at the store or market, follow these specific steps to ensure the fruit is ripe and sweet:
1. Lift several watermelons and select one that feels heavy for its size, indicating it is full of juice.
2. Turn the watermelon over to find the field spot. Look for a creamy, buttery yellow color instead of white.
3. Examine the skin for a dull finish. Avoid watermelons that are very shiny, as they are often underripe.
4. Look for brown, web-like scarring on the rind, which is a sign of high pollination and sweetness.
5. Tap the middle of the watermelon. A deep, hollow thump suggests the fruit is at peak ripeness.
6. Check the stem if it is present. A dried, brown stem is a sign that the fruit matured fully before being harvested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the watermelon has no field spot?
A missing field spot usually means the melon was grown in a way where it was rotated or suspended, which makes it harder to judge ripeness. In these cases, rely on the weight and the dullness of the skin.
Does a darker green color mean a sweeter melon?
Not necessarily. The specific shade of green depends on the variety of the watermelon, but the lack of shine is a more reliable sign of sweetness than the color itself.
How can you tell if a watermelon is overripe?
An overripe watermelon may feel slightly soft when pressed or have a fermented smell. When tapped, it will produce a dull, thudding sound rather than a hollow, drum-like ring.
Are seedless watermelons chosen differently?
No, the same rules apply to both seeded and seedless varieties. You should still look for the yellow field spot, heavy weight, and dull skin for the best results.
What is the best way to choose pre-cut watermelon?
Look for pieces with bright red flesh and dark seeds. Avoid containers with a lot of liquid at the bottom or pieces where the flesh looks mealy or white-streaked.