It’s that time of the year again when the sweet watermelons are in season! If you’re lucky enough to find a great one, you can enjoy the sweet, juicy flesh all summer long. But how do you know if it’s ripe and sweet enough to buy? Here are some tips to help you pick the perfect watermelon.
Look for the Right Color
The color of the watermelon is a good indicator of ripeness. You want to look for a watermelon that is mostly dark green in color, with lighter green stripes. This is a sign that the watermelon is ripe and ready to be eaten. If the watermelon has a white or yellow hue, it means it’s not ripe yet. You can also check the underside of the watermelon to see if it has a creamy yellow color, which is a sign that it has ripened.
Look for the Field Mark
The field mark is the small, white spot where the watermelon rested on the ground while it was growing. It should be white or yellow in color, and it’s usually located on the side of the watermelon. If the field mark is white, that means the watermelon isn’t ripe yet. If it’s yellow, that means it’s ripe and ready to be eaten. You should also look for a web-like texture on the skin near the field mark, which is a sign that the watermelon is ripe.
Check for the Right Weight
Another way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to check its weight. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light, that means it isn’t ripe yet. You should also give it a gentle shake and listen to see if there’s any sloshing of the juice inside. If you hear some liquid movement, that means the watermelon is ripe and juicy.
Feel for the Right Texture
When you pick up a watermelon, you should feel for the right texture. A ripe watermelon should have a firm, yet slightly springy texture. The skin should also be slightly rough. If it feels too soft or too hard, then it’s not ripe yet.
Tap for the Right Sound
Finally, you should tap the watermelon to check for the right sound. A ripe watermelon should sound hollow, like a drum. If it sounds dull or flat, it means the watermelon isn’t ripe yet. You can also use a spoon to tap the watermelon, which will give you a better sound.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect watermelon can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort! By looking for the right color, field mark, weight, texture, and sound, you can be sure that you’re picking a ripe and sweet watermelon every time. So keep these tips in mind the next time you’re at the grocery store, and you’ll be sure to find the perfect watermelon!