Watermelon is a quintessential summer treat-juicy, refreshing, and naturally sweet. But not every watermelon you pick up will satisfy your sweet tooth. So, how do you know if a watermelon is sweet before you cut into it? Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you pick the sweetest watermelon every time.
Look for the Yellow Belly (Field Spot)
One of the best clues to a watermelon’s sweetness is the color of its belly, the spot where it rested on the ground as it grew. This is called the field spot. A ripe, sweet watermelon will have a creamy yellow or buttery-colored belly. The bigger and more vibrant this yellow patch, the longer the melon ripened on the vine, which usually means more sweetness. Avoid watermelons with a white or greenish belly, as they likely weren’t ripe enough when picked.
Check the Shape and Appearance
Choose a watermelon with a symmetrical, uniform shape-whether round or oval. Irregular bumps or dents can indicate uneven growth, which might affect sweetness and texture. The rind should be smooth and glossy, not dull or rough. Also, look for web-like brown lines on the rind called webbing; more webbing often means the bees pollinated the flower more, which can result in a sweeter melon.
Feel the Weight
Pick up a few watermelons of similar size and choose the heaviest one. A heavier watermelon means it has more water content and juice, which correlates to juiciness and sweetness. A watermelon that feels light for its size may be dry or underripe.
Tap and Listen
Gently thump the watermelon with your knuckles or palm and listen carefully. A ripe and sweet watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull or metallic, the melon might be underripe or overripe. This tapping test is a simple way to judge ripeness without cutting the fruit open.
Inspect the Stem
Look at the stem end of the watermelon. A dry, brown stem indicates the watermelon is ripe and has been harvested at the right time. If the stem is green or moist, the watermelon might have been picked too early and may not be as sweet.
Smell the Watermelon
Give the watermelon a sniff near the stem end. A sweet, fruity aroma is a good sign that the melon is ripe and juicy. If there’s little to no scent, or if it smells sour or off, it’s best to skip that one.
Consider Size and Seediness
While size alone doesn’t guarantee sweetness, avoid watermelons that are unusually small or excessively large compared to others. These may not have developed ideal sugar content. Also, some people prefer seedless watermelons, but traditional seeded varieties often have richer flavor and sweetness.
Why Does Sweetness Vary?
The sweetness of a watermelon is mainly due to its sugar content, measured by something called the Brix count. A Brix score of 10 is average sweetness, while scores of 11 or higher indicate a very sweet watermelon. Factors like how long the fruit ripened on the vine and the variety of watermelon also influence sweetness.
Choosing a sweet watermelon is easier when you know the signs to look for: a creamy yellow belly, a symmetrical shape, heavy weight, a hollow sound when tapped, a dry stem, and a sweet aroma. Next time you’re at the market, use these tips to pick a juicy, flavorful watermelon that’s perfect for your summer snacking.
Sweet watermelons are just a few smart choices away-happy picking!