Summer is here, and there’s nothing more refreshing than biting into a juicy, sweet watermelon. But how do you pick the right one and avoid those disappointing flavorless melons? Here are the most effective and simple tips to help you choose a perfectly ripe watermelon from your local market or store.
– What to look for: a small, dry flower scar in the center of the watermelon.
– Avoid: large or moist scars, which can indicate poor or uneven growth.
A small scar is usually a sign of quick pollination, which often results in a sweeter watermelon.
– Ripe watermelon: should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground.
– Avoid: pale white or no spot at all, which means it was picked too early.
The darker the yellow, the longer it ripened under the sun — and the sweeter it will be.
– Hollow and deep sound: indicates a juicy and ripe watermelon.
– Dull or flat sound: might mean the fruit is overripe or dry.
This is a classic technique used by fruit sellers and works surprisingly well!
– Choose a round, symmetrical watermelon that feels heavy for its size.
– Avoid irregular shapes or flat sides, which might suggest inconsistent watering during growth.
A heavier watermelon usually means it is full of water — juicy and delicious!
– These web-like brown lines are signs of sugar seeping through the skin.
– The more of these natural marks, the sweeter the watermelon will likely be.
They are not imperfections — they’re signs of flavor!
Follow these five simple tips, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of picking a delicious, red, and ripe watermelon. Combining the visual clues and sound test is the key to choosing the best one every time.
Bonus Tip: Save or print our infographic to keep with you during your grocery trips!
From Seed to Sweet: Growing Melons Successfully