Buzz
Choosing a watermelon can feel frustrating. With its 92 percent water content, Citrullus lanatus is essentially a giant ball of water. But on the bright side, it’s sweet, hydrating, and packed with enough vitamin C and D to keep scurvy away.
So, how do you find the best one? Food writer Emma Christensen shared some tips on kitchn, and they suggest doing a bit of weightlifting. When selecting your watermelon, pick the heaviest one for its size. The denser it is, the juicier it will be, which means it’s perfectly ripe.
Lastly, flip the watermelon over and inspect its bottom for the 'splotch.' This yellowish patch shows where the watermelon rested on the ground. A deep yellow hue indicates it’s ripe and ready to enjoy.
Give the bottom of the watermelon a gentle tap—not so loud as to attract the attention of store staff, but just enough to hear if it sounds hollow. A hollow sound is a good sign. If it sounds more like you're hitting a solid block, then it’s overripe; carefully set it back down and step away.
If you’re not quite sure how to assess a watermelon’s quality, there’s an easy alternative: Local farmers markets usually carry top-tier produce, so any watermelon you pick is likely a good choice. You can also ask the vendor to select one for you. Observe their method and try to mimic it next time you need to choose your own.
