Learn how to identify and choose a sweet and ripe watermelon in 8 easy steps.
You might find it very disappointing when, after purchasing, you bring home a tasteless watermelon. You can avoid the remorse of wasted money by learning how to choose them correctly. A few simple indicators are all you need to leave the grocery store with the sweetest and most delicious watermelon every time.
1. Look at the Watermelon’s Color and Stripes
The color of the watermelon helps indicate the ripeness of the fruit. You should choose watermelons with a clear, consistent pattern of stripes. Green stripes should be deep dark green, and light stripes should be creamy yellow. Additionally, you can choose a duller-looking watermelon, as a very shiny watermelon is likely unripe.
2. Find the Yellow Ground Spot
Perhaps one of the most important indicators of a watermelon’s quality is the yellow spot, the place where the watermelon lay on the ground. Inspect it and find this spot. Typically, its color should be creamy yellow or almost orange, indicating a rich flavor. If it is white or light yellow, choose another fruit. White spots indicate that the watermelon lacks flavor.
3. Inspect the Stem Tail
To choose a watermelon that has had enough time to ripen, you need to inspect its stem tail. It should be dry and yellowish-brown. A green tail may mean that the watermelon is not yet ripe and lacks flavor and sweetness.
4. Knock on It
Although other shoppers might start giving you curious glances, knocking on a watermelon can help you choose the best one. First, gently tap the surface and listen to the sound. If the watermelon sounds deep and hollow, the fruit has more water and is likely riper. Conversely, if the sound has higher and denser tones, it may mean that the watermelon’s rind is too thick and the fruit has not fully ripened to its optimal state.
5. Check for Webbing and Small Spots
Dry small spots and streaks resembling webbing are excellent indicators that the watermelon is extremely sweet. These spots show where sugar has seeped from the fruit. Therefore, be sure to inspect the watermelon from all sides before buying.
6. Choose the Heaviest Among Those of the Same Size
Try to determine the weight of watermelons of the same size in the store before choosing. The denser the watermelon, the higher its water content, indicating greater sweetness.
7. Choose a Round Shape
Look for a watermelon with a more round and even shape. Round watermelons are sweeter, while more oval ones are usually watery and less flavorful. Also, check the fruit’s surface for bumps and avoid such watermelons.
8. Buy in Season
As much as you might want to eat watermelons all year round, the best time to buy them is at the peak of their season. Remember: Watermelons stop ripening after being picked. Once they are separated from the stem, the ripening process stops. Therefore, when you choose a watermelon in the store, it should already be as ripe as possible. You cannot leave it on the kitchen table and expect it to ripen over time, as you can with bananas or pears.
