Watermelon is one of the most refreshing fruits, especially on a hot day. But nothing’s more disappointing than biting into a watermelon that’s bland or underripe. So, how do you know when your watermelon is ripe and ready to enjoy? Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide to help you pick the sweetest, juiciest watermelon every time.
Look for the Field Spot
The field spot is the creamy or yellowish patch on the watermelon’s underside where it rested on the ground while growing. A ripe watermelon usually has a buttery or creamy yellow field spot, indicating it was left on the vine long enough to develop full flavor. If the spot is white or pale, the melon is likely underripe and won’t be as sweet.
Check the Webbing or Sugar Spots
Look for brown, web-like lines or “sugar spots” on the rind. These marks show where the melon’s sugars have seeped out, signaling a sweet and ripe watermelon. The more pronounced the webbing, the sweeter the fruit tends to be.
Do the Thump Test
Give the watermelon a good thump with your hand. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound, similar to knocking on a door. If the sound is high-pitched or dull, the melon may be underripe or overripe, respectively.
Feel the Weight
Pick up a few watermelons of similar size and compare their weights. The heavier one is usually juicier and riper because it holds more water and sugar. However, if a watermelon feels too heavy or mushy, it might be overripe.
Examine the Rind’s Appearance
Young, unripe watermelons have a shiny rind. As they ripen, the rind loses its sheen and becomes dull and smooth. For striped varieties, the contrast between stripes becomes more distinct when ripe.
Check the Tendril Near the Stem
If you’re buying from a farmer’s market or picking your own, look at the curly tendril near the watermelon’s stem. When the watermelon is ripe, this tendril will be dry and brown. A green tendril means the melon was picked too early and isn’t ripe yet.
Smell the Watermelon
A ripe watermelon often has a sweet, fresh aroma near the stem end. If you can’t smell anything, it might be underripe. A strong, almost fermented smell could mean it’s overripe.
Press the Blossom End
Try pressing the opposite end of the stem, called the blossom end. A ripe watermelon will have a slight give but still feel firm. If it’s rock hard, it’s underripe; if it’s too soft or mushy, it’s overripe.
Watermelon is best enjoyed when it’s perfectly ripe. Use these simple tips next time you’re at the store or picking from your garden to ensure you get a sweet, juicy melon every time. Happy watermelon picking!