Buzz
Mastering the art of choosing a watermelon can elevate your summer gatherings, as nothing dampens the mood like a bland, flavorless melon. (An unripe pineapple is equally disappointing.) Steer clear of such letdowns by following these expert tips to ensure you always pick a juicy, ripe watermelon.
With just a few visual and auditory cues, you can confidently select a sweet, delicious melon every trip to the store or farmer's market. Once you've found the perfect one, explore a refreshing watermelon recipe to make the most of your choice. Here's your guide to identifying the best watermelon before you even slice into it.
1. Check the Field Spot
Grace CanaanThe field spot, a large discolored area on the watermelon's surface, is one of the most reliable signs of its quality. This spot shows where the melon rested on the ground while ripening:
- A field spot with a creamy yellow or orange hue suggests a flavorful, well-ripened melon.
- A white or pale yellow field spot, however, indicates a lack of flavor, making it a less desirable choice.
When selecting a watermelon directly from the field or your garden, the stem can reveal its ripeness:
- A dry, yellow-brown stem means the watermelon is mature and ready to eat.
- A green stem often indicates the melon is underripe, lacking both flavor and sweetness.
2. Examine the Stripes
Grace CanaanThe color pattern of a watermelon is a key indicator of its ripeness. Choose a melon with bold, uniform stripes. The dark green stripes should be rich and deep, while the lighter stripes should appear a creamy, pale yellow.
3. Give It a Tap
Grace CanaanWhile you might get a few curious glances from other shoppers, tapping on a watermelon can help you pick the best one. Gently knock on the fruit and pay attention to the sound it produces:
- A deep, hollow sound indicates a juicy, ripe watermelon.
- A higher-pitched, dense sound suggests the rind is thick and the fruit may not be fully ripe.
4. Inspect for Blemishes
Grace CanaanDry, grayish-brown weathering spots and web-like lines are excellent signs of a particularly sweet watermelon. These marks indicate where sugar has naturally leaked from the fruit, so be sure to examine all sides of the melon before making your choice.
5. Opt for the Heaviest Melon Relative to Its Size
Grace CanaanTurn your shopping trip into a mini workout by lifting watermelons to find the ideal one. A ripe watermelon will feel heavier than it appears, as its density reflects higher water content and greater sweetness.
6. Pick a More Circular Shape
Grace CanaanChoose a watermelon with a rounder, more symmetrical shape rather than an elongated one. Round melons tend to be sweeter, while oval ones are often watery and less tasty. Additionally, avoid melons with uneven bumps or irregularities on their surface.
7. Choose Firm and Dull-Skinned Melons
Grace CanaanNo matter the size, opt for a watermelon with a firm surface. Overripe melons can be easily dented, so press gently to test for firmness. Inspect the entire melon, and if you notice soft areas, cuts, bruises, cracks, or other damage, choose another one.
Also, select a watermelon with a dull appearance. A shiny rind often suggests the fruit is not yet ripe.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do watermelons ripen after picking?
Once picked, watermelons do not ripen further. The moment a melon is detached from the vine, its ripening process halts. Unlike fruits like bananas or pears, leaving a watermelon on the counter won't make it ripen over time.
-
How long do store-bought watermelons last?
An uncut watermelon can stay fresh on your counter for seven to 10 days. Once sliced, it remains good in the fridge for three to four days. For the best quality, buy watermelons during their peak season, which runs from May to September.
-
Should watermelon be refrigerated?
Refrigeration depends on whether the watermelon is whole or cut. Whole watermelons should stay at room temperature to preserve their sweetness and flavor. After cutting a watermelon, refrigerate it in a covered container to prevent it from drying out or spoiling.
Learn More: How to Store Watermelon So It Stays Juicy and Fresh -
Can you freeze watermelon?
Yes, watermelon can be frozen if you follow these guidelines:
- Don't freeze a whole watermelon.
- Don't freeze pieces with rinds or seeds.
- Do flash-freeze small, bite-sized pieces before storing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Do keep watermelon flesh in the freezer for up to one year.
Learn More: Can You Freeze Watermelon?
