How do you pick a good watermelon? Don’t panic…we have your back and will show you some of our most reliable tips and tricks.

Who doesn’t love the juicy, refreshing taste of a perfectly ripe watermelon on a hot summer day? This iconic fruit is a summer staple and is iconic at picnics, BBQs, and beach trips alike. Plus, watermelon is 92% water which makes it a perfect fruit for staying hydrated during the hottest months.

However, picking the perfect watermelon can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options to choose from and subtle differences in appearance, how can you ensure that you’re selecting the best one? Fear not! This guide will be your solution.

Who’s ready to learn how to pick a good watermelon?

Start with the Appearance

The appearance of a watermelon can tell you a lot about its ripeness and quality. There are several visual clues that can help you pick a good watermelon.

Color: Look for a watermelon with a vibrant, uniform color. A ripe watermelon typically has a deep green color with lighter stripes or spots. 

Shape: Opt for a watermelon that is symmetrical and free from irregular bumps or dents. These imperfections can indicate uneven ripening or damage.Size: Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. This usually indicates a high water

Size: Choose a watermelon that feels heavy for its size. This usually indicates a high water content, resulting in juicier fruit.

Can You Thump a Watermelon?

Yes! Give it a Thump

While it might sound unconventional, giving a watermelon a gentle tap can provide valuable insight into its ripeness. Listen for a Hollow Sound. Tap the watermelon lightly with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound, similar to tapping on a drum. If the sound is dull or flat, the fruit may be underripe.

Find the Sun Spot

The sun spot or field spot, also known as the “belly,” is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground as it grew. Examining this spot can reveal important clues about the fruit’s ripeness:

Look for a Creamy Yellow Spot: A ripe watermelon typically has a creamy yellow or orange spot on its underside. This indicates that it has had enough time to ripen in the sun. Avoid watermelons with white or greenish field spots, as they may not quite be ready.

How Do You Pick a Good Watermelon?

At the end of the day, sometimes the best way to pick a watermelon is to trust your instincts. If a particular watermelon looks and feels right to you, it’s likely a good choice.

Selecting the perfect watermelon may seem like a challenge, but with a little practice and know-how, you can become a pro at picking the juiciest, most flavorful melon every time. 

So next time you’re at the grocery store or farmers’ market, put these tips to the test and prepare to impress your friends and family with your watermelon-picking prowess!

Enjoy the Whole Watermelon

DYK…that you can eat the whole watermelon?

Now that you picked out the perfect watermelon, what do you do with it. The obvious answer is to cube it or slices it and enjoy! But there are is so much more you can do. Have you tried grilling watermelon? Turning watermelon into popsicles? Making treats for your dog? Or turning it into sushi? We love that 100% of the watermelon can be eaten, including the rind!

More Watermelon Recipes We Love

• Watermelon & Cucumber Salad
• Elote Watermelon Salad
• Watermelon Margarita Slices
• Air Fryer Watermelon Rind Churros
• Watermelon S’mores
• Sandia Loca
• Chocolate-Covered Watermelon Bites
• Watermelon Caprese
• Spicy Tomato & Watermelon Salad

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