How to Pick a Delicious Watermelon

Look for a watermelon with uniform size. Choose one that is symmetrical, evenly round, free from bruises, soft spots, cuts, or cracks. Any lumps or bumps may indicate uneven sunlight or water during growth, leading to dryness or misshapen fruit.

Lift the watermelon. A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size, indicating it is juicy, ripe, and sweet. Compare the weight of two watermelons of similar size—the heavier one will likely taste better. This tip also applies to most other fruits and vegetables.

Look for the field spot. The underside of a ripe watermelon should have a creamy yellow patch, known as the field spot. This is where the melon rested on the ground and ripened in the sun, so a darker yellow spot suggests a sweeter melon! This advice is not trivial. If the spot is white or missing, the watermelon may have been harvested too early and won’t be ripe.

Check the rind color. A perfectly ripe watermelon will have a deep green rind with a dull surface rather than a shiny one. A shiny rind often indicates an underripe melon.

Try the tapping technique. This method can be tricky to master but is favored by many watermelon enthusiasts. Knock on the rind with your knuckles and listen to the sound. A clear, resonant tone means the melon is ripe, while a dull or flat sound suggests it’s underripe.

Know how to choose pre-cut watermelon. If you’re buying pre-cut watermelon, there are a few things to look for. Opt for pieces with bright red flesh and dark brown or black seeds. Avoid slices with white streaks or too many white seeds. Also, steer clear of pieces that look dry, mealy, or have seeds separating from the flesh.

Store watermelon properly. A whole, uncut watermelon can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week and should be consumed within this time frame. Handle the melon gently to avoid bruising.

• Never store watermelon below 4°C as this temperature can cause the fruit to become waterlogged and spoil.
• If you want the melon to ripen further after purchase, keep it at room temperature for a few days. This will allow it to ripen slightly, but it won’t ripen significantly if it was harvested too early, as such watermelons never fully ripen.

Make a watermelon salad. Watermelon is the perfect addition to a fresh salad, adding a burst of sweetness and crunch to your lunch. This salad combines watermelon, cucumber, cashews, and Feta cheese!

Prepare watermelon lemonade. Imagine a hot summer day—what could be more refreshing than a chilled glass of watermelon-flavored lemonade? Use the sweetest watermelon you can find to create the most delicious drink!

Create watermelon donuts. Watermelon donuts aren’t traditional donuts but rather watermelon slices cut into donut shapes. Simply sprinkle sugar and finely chopped almonds on top to create a delightful snack.

Make fried watermelon. This is a tasty but unhealthy treat often served at fairs and events. It’s typically dusted with powdered sugar to enhance its sweetness.

Make watermelon vodka. You can create a delicious, summer-inspired drink by infusing vodka with watermelon slices—add some ice and fruit juice to craft a stunning pink beverage perfect for parties!