Picking a Ripe Watermelon

On the drive back home the other day, on the side of the road there were vendors on the roadside with their trunks open or tailgates down with stacks of beautiful Watermelons. So I said to myself, It’s Watermelon Season. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to stop but made me crave the Sweet Crunchy Juicy flavor of the red melon.

After enduring a long winter it’s a pleasant sensation to cut into one, and hear the crack of the rhine, revealing a blast of sweet watermelon perfume permeating the air. That is just one of lives many pleasures.

Picking A Watermelon

Picking a ripe watermelon can be a bit tricky, but here are some tips to help you choose a delicious and ripe one:

1. Look for a yellow or creamy spot: A ripe watermelon will have a creamy or yellow spot on its underside where it sat on the ground. This indicates that it has ripened in the sun. If the spot is green or white, it’s likely underripe.
2. Check the field spot: The field spot is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground. It should have a dull, slightly rough surface. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange field spot, indicating that it is mature.
3. Tap it: Give the watermelon a gentle tap with your palm or knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. If it sounds dull or flat, it may be overripe or underripe.
4. Check the weight: A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size. Watermelons are mostly water, so a heavier fruit indicates that it is juicy and full of flavor.
5. Press on the melon. It should give a little. The best way to check this is to compare with others around it
6. Examine the skin: Look for a watermelon with a firm and smooth skin. Avoid watermelons with cuts, bruises, or soft spots. The skin should have a consistent color and texture.
7. Consider the shape: Ripe watermelons are usually symmetrical and oval-shaped. If the watermelon has an irregular shape, it may have grown unevenly, which could affect its taste and texture.
8. They say to Smell it. Take a whiff of the watermelon’s stem end. Ripe watermelons often have a sweet and slightly musky aroma. If it doesn’t have any scent or smells fermented, it may be past its prime. But really, to me this is not dependable.

Now for the Numero Primo very best way to pick a melon. Go ahead and stop at one of the vendors selling melons on the road side. Especially, ones that have samples and give it a taste. Try before you Buy.

In Summary

Remember that these tips can increase your chances of choosing a ripe watermelon, but they are not foolproof. Watermelons can vary in ripeness even within the same batch. It’s always a good idea to buy from a trusted source and ask the vendor for advice if you’re unsure.

I found a helpful video on picking a watermelon. I reviewed a lot of videos but this one was I think the best. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUdP7LgN17E

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