If you don’t know what to look for, choosing the perfect watermelon can be difficult. The article continues after the advertisement. The first time you walk through the produce section of a store that offers all the varying sizes and colors of watermelon, it can make your head spin. If you want to be sure to arrive at your summer picnic with the juiciest, sweetest, or most refreshing fruit of all, you’d best know how to choose the perfect watermelon. With a little help, though, you can pick one that will rock your taste buds and impress your friends and family. Here are 10 expert tips for selecting a perfect watermelon every time.
1. Look for the Right Shape and Size: Symmetry is Key
Watermelons come in different shapes and sizes, but the best are usually symmetrical. Round or oval-shaped watermelons are otherwise generally an indication of a fruit that has grown evenly and had a lack of trouble developing; irregular shapes, then, may indicate some internal faults and poor growth. When selecting your watermelon, make sure it is heavy for its size. The heavier it is, the more water content it will have, a sign of juiciness and ripeness. Don’t be shy about weighing a couple of melons to see how they compare, as this will help you find the plumpest option.
2. Check the Field Spot: A Sign of Ripeness
This tells you that the watermelon is resting where it's growing; this is one of the most important signs of ripeness for watermelon: the field spot, or sugar spot. This hard, rough patch on the skin where watermelon sat on the ground as it grew. A nice watermelon has a distinct yellow or cream-colored field spot. An absence of white or a white spot on the field will tell you whether or not the fruit was plucked too early, which will determine how the fruit tastes, he said. So, always look for a melon that has a golden and well-defined field spot to make sure that it is ripe and delicious.
3. Tap It to Test the Sound: A Hollow Knock for a Ripe Watermelon.
The sound of a watermelon being thumped should be deep and hollow. This sound indicates that the melon is full of water and air and means that it’s ripe with good internal structure. A dull or flat sound, however, could suggest the fruit is underdeveloped or overripe. It is a simple but effective trick to help you ‘pick’ a juicy watermelon and avoid buying a less juicy or underripe watermelon. Just remember to tap the watermelon at different spots to get an accurate idea of its ripeness.
4. Check for vibrancy by looking at the color and texture of the skin.
Any scrapes, dents, or bruises on the firm skin of a watermelon can be signs that the fruit was mishandled or hurt in transport. A smooth, glossy skin is a good indicator since it means the watermelon is fresh. Take note of the skin's color as well. Ripe watermelons should have a dark green, almost matte color—but some types are paler. The more vibrant the watermelon color in your hand, the better chance the sugars formed correctly, and therefore sweetness and flavor are improved.
5. Look for the Sugar Lines: A Sweet Indicator
The line variations in some types of watermelon are also a good indicator of sweetness on the peel. These lines are actually a great sign of sweetness. Those lines of sugar are an indicator of sweetness; the more pronounced they are, the sweeter the melon is likely to be. Consider if there are any faint sugar lines by the field spot or along the surface of the watermelon when you look at it. If you see them, your high-sugar-content watermelon is likely the one that’s going to deliver the sweetness you’re after.
6. Consider the Type of Watermelon: Choose Based on Your Needs
Because there are different varieties of watermelons, and every variety has unique features. And while the standard red-fleshed watermelon is the most common, there are other options: seedless watermelons, yellow-fleshed melons, and even mini-watermelons. Decide on the type that caters best to you before making a purchase. However, if you're throwing a party and need many servings, the large watermelon would be perfect, and on the other hand, if you only have a small family, then maybe the sweet watermelon would be suitable.
7. Check the Stem for Signs of Freshness: A Green Stem is a Good Sign
The watermelon’s stem can offer a tip-off on its freshness. Dried or shriveled stems generally mean the watermelon has been resting for some time. Choose one with a firm, green stem, which means the melon was picked recently. On the other hand, if the stem is too long or too green, you have a watermelon that was picked too early and isn't fully ripe. A fresh, but not excessively green, stem of a perfect watermelon. Smelling a watermelon is one of the best ways to determine whether it is ripe and ready for consumption.
8. Smells sweet and pleasant; it’s probably ripe. Conversely,
If a watermelon smells faint or sour or doesn’t smell at all, it’s mostly a sign the fruit is under or overripe. When you’re picking your watermelon, the smell can be a telltale sign not to be overlooked.
9. To check ripeness, tap the bottom: Check for a Hollow Sound on the Bottom
While the sound of tapping the top of the watermelon can tell you something about its internal structure, tapping the bottom of the watermelon can give you important insight as well. When the bottom is tapped, it will sound a little hollow, indicating that it is overripe. If the bottom is hard or flat when you tap it, that’s a possible indication the melon hasn’t been ripened and is less likely to taste as good. And this extra way to tap can help you better decide if you’re going to buy.
10. Ask the Seller for Assistance: Get Expert Advice
If you’re still not sure or would like more pointers, don’t hesitate to ask the vendor or seller for their suggestions. And they can often point you in the direction of the freshest, ripest watermelons on hand. Many vendors also have samples of their melons, so you can sample them before you buy. This is particularly helpful if you’re shopping for a special occasion and want to make sure you get the best quality possible.
Conclusion: Perfect Watermelons Are Within Your Reach
Choosing a perfect watermelon doesn't need to be a laborious chore. With these 10 clever tips, you can pick the perfect watermelon every time. Examine the watermelon's size and form, check the field location, and then tap it to hear its sound. Don’t forget to inspect the skin for smoothness and color, as well as look for sugar lines and a fresh stem. With these four simple steps, you can select a watermelon that will be juicy and sweet, an ideal snack, picnic, or cooking companion.
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