Few things are more disappointing than slicing open a watermelon, only to find it pale, bland, and watery inside. If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle, staring down a mountain of melons and wondering which one is the real deal, you’re not alone. Choosing the right watermelon can feel like a guessing game, but it doesn’t have to be.
With a few quick tips supported by produce specialists and watermelon experts, you can increase your odds of selecting a beautifully sweet, juicy melon—and keeping it the right way to eat every crumb.
9. Avoid Shiny or Deformed Melons
A shiny rind is definite proof it’s not ripe. A matte or dull rind is a sign of ripeness, says Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a watermelon expert at North Carolina State University. Shiny melons tend not to be fully developed on the vine. Also, be wary of lopsided shapes, bumps, or soft areas. An unblemished, symmetrical watermelon is a good indication that it grew in perfect conditions and ripened naturally.
8. Opt for Symmetry and a Full Shape
Whether round or oval, the form should be consistent and well-padded at both ends. Amy Goldman, seed expert for heirloom varieties, describes lopsided and not well-filled-out melons as the product of inadequate pollination and having inferior texture or taste. Opt for a melon that is balanced and consistently formed.
7. Inspect the Stripes and Surface Webbing
Glossy, even striping is a good thing, particularly in regular supermarket varieties. The light green stripes should be vivid, and the darker stripes should be creamy yellow. Another good sign? Web-like, brown patterns, also known as “sugar spots,” which indicate where sugar has leaked out of the rind. They tend to indicate a sweeter fruit.
6. A Creamy Yellow Field Spot
Turn your watermelon over and locate the field spot—the lighter section where the melon was on the ground. Creamy yellow or orange field spots indicate the fruit spent enough time on the vine to ripen completely. A pale or white spot indicates the watermelon was picked too early and might be lacking in flavor.
5. Knock on It and Check the Rind
Gently tap the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep, hollow sound; a dull or high-pitched sound could indicate it’s not ripe or too ripe. It’s a little bit of practice, but the knock test can be useful. And check the texture of the rind—it should be hard and firm, not soft or spongy.
4. Pick the Heaviest One for Its Size
Gather a few watermelons of similar size and accompany the heaviest one. The heavier melon tends to be full of water, and hopefully more juicy and flavorful. This tip proves especially helpful with small or “personal-sized” watermelons, but it holds true overall.
3. Check the Stem and Look for Ridges
If it has a little bit of stem remaining, it will be dry and curled, a sign that the melon has been left to mature naturally. A green or recently broken stem indicates early picking. You may also see fine ridges or veins along the rind—well-advanced ones are another maturity indicator.
2. Store Whole Watermelon at Room Temperature
Once you’ve brought home your perfect watermelon, resist the urge to put it in the fridge right away. Experts like farmer Ingrid Abraham and dietitian Julie Stefanski suggest storing whole melons in a cool, shaded spot at room temperature. This helps preserve flavor and protects nutrients like lycopene. Whereas a full watermelon will keep a week on the counter—or two or three weeks in the refrigerator—the flavor is optimal when consumed shortly after purchase.
1. Keep Cut Watermelon Fresh the Right Way
After cutting, the watermelon is more fragile. The exposed fruit can pick up odors from your refrigerator and become mushy if left in its juices. Stephanie Barlow of the National Watermelon Promotion Board suggests keeping slices or cubes in tightly closed containers or wrapping large chunks tightly in plastic wrap.
For cubes, it may be helpful to place them in a colander over a bowl so that excess juice can drain off. Alternatively, just pour out the juice each day. Cut watermelon will keep fresh for 3–5 days in the fridge if stored properly. If you must store it longer, freeze on a tray in bite-sized pieces before putting them into a freezer-safe bag.
With these tips approved by experts, selecting the ideal watermelon is no longer a risk. From the supermarket produce stand to your kitchen counter, you’ll be able to spot it and ensure your melon remains at its best. So the next time you bring one home, sit back and savor every delicious, thirst-quenching bite.
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