How to Pick the best watermelon

Summer is on its way, and one of the best things I am waiting for is watermelon season. It’s sweet, juicy, and refreshingly delicious on a hot day. But once the first batch of watermelons arrives at the grocery store, we all have the same question. Are they sweet? How to find the best one? You see people smelling, knocking, tapping them, and everyone looks unsure about their choice. Let me share with you my best tips on how to pick the best watermelon that is sweet, juicy, and utterly delicious!

What Is the Yellow Spot on a Watermelon?

That creamy yellow patch on the underside of the melon? That’s known as the “field spot,” and it’s where the watermelon rested on the ground as it ripened in the sun. A deep, buttery yellow color indicates that the fruit has spent a considerable amount of time soaking up the sun and developing its natural sugars. In other words, it’s a signal of sweetness.

If the spot is pale or even white, it likely means the watermelon was picked too early and might not be as sweet. When browsing, always opt for the one with a bold, golden-yellow spot.

Color, Skin, and Shape Matter Too

Beyond the yellow spot, pay attention to the overall look. A ripe watermelon should have a uniform shape, whether round or oval. Irregular bumps or misshapen sides can be signs of uneven growth or poor ripening.

The color of the skin is just as telling. A ripe watermelon typically has dull, matte skin rather than a shiny appearance. Shiny means underripe. That dusty look? That’s your friend. And darker green stripes that contrast nicely with pale ones are usually a good sign of ripeness.

Also, the field spot should stand out in contrast with the rest of the rind. The stronger the contrast, the more sunlight the melon absorbed, which boosts flavor.

Try the Two-Finger Method

There are plenty of genius tips on the internet, and one is the two-finger method. It’s a quick visual that tells you immediately if the watermelon is ready or not. Place two fingers over the dark stripe on the watermelon. If the stripe is wide enough to fit both fingers, there’s a good chance the watermelon is ripe.

This method works best on average-sized watermelons. On very small or unusually large ones, the finger test might not be as reliable because the stripe width can vary with the melon’s overall size.

Knock, Knock! Who’s Ripe?

Yes, the knock test is still a thing, and this is what we have learned from our parents. Give the melon a good tap. A ripe one should sound hollow. If it sounds dull or flat, it might be overripe or underripe. It’s not a perfect science, but it helps when used alongside the yellow spot and two-finger method.

Feel the Weight

Pick up a few melons and compare. The one that feels heaviest for its size is usually the juiciest. Watermelons are 90+% water, after all, and a heavy watermelon means it’s full of hydrating, sweet flesh.

Look for Sugar Spots and Webbing

Sometimes, you’ll see brown webbing or little sugary specks on the rind. These are actually good signs! They indicate where sugar has seeped out, a sweet hint, literally, that the fruit inside will be delicious.

What to Avoid When Selecting a Watermelon

Just as important as knowing what to look for is knowing what to avoid. Skip watermelons with:

• Cracks or bruises on the surface, which could mean it’s overripe or damaged
• Mushy spots or soft areas are signs that it’s starting to spoil
• A white or pale green field spot, which signals it was picked too early
• A shiny surface, which often means it’s underripe
• Irregular shapes or lumps, which might indicate uneven ripening

Being picky pays off, and these signs usually lead to a bland or mealy watermelon, and no one wants that!