A juicy, sweet watermelon is a healthy summer treat, and mastering the art of choosing a ripe one from the grocery store or local farmers market can be a rewarding experience.
When selecting a watermelon, it’s reassuring to know that assessing its size and seed presence is a straightforward process.
While size and seed presence are quickly evaluated through sight and labelling, assessing ripeness requires careful observation and attentive listening.
The sweetness is exceptional.
Watermelon sweetness is gauged by its Brix count, which measures sugar content. A Brix level of 10 is typical, whereas a level of 11-12 indicates a lovely melon.
Tip 1: Examine the Yellow Field Spot
One of the key visual indicators of a watermelon’s ripeness is the field spot, the area where it rested on the ground while still attached to the vine. This spot should have a prominent yellow hue, like creamy butter, indicating that the melon had ample time to ripen on the vine.
A ripe watermelon will have a prominent yellow spot. This area should have a creamy, butter-like yellow hue, signifying that the melon had plenty of time to ripen on the vine. A larger and creamier yellow spot indicates better ripeness, while a smaller or whiter spot may suggest the melon is less ripe.
Tip 2: Tap the Underside and Listen for a Resonant Sound
To determine if a watermelon is ripe, gently tap its underside with your knuckles. A ripe melon will produce a deep, resonant sound, while an overripe one will emit a more hollow or flat tone. If the sound is hollow or flat and the yellow spot is overly large, the watermelon might be mealy and past its peak freshness.
Tip 3: Choose a Dull, Heavy Watermelon
While they might not win any beauty contests or be the most convenient to transport, the tastiest watermelons are usually dull in color and heavier than others. A shiny surface suggests that the fruit is underripe.
Additionally, the heaviest watermelon is often the juiciest. Since watermelons are about 92% water, a heavier one is likely to be more water-filled and, as a result, juicier.
Summary
This guide emphasizes three key factors in choosing a ripe watermelon: size, seed presence, and ripeness. The sweetness is measured by Brix count, with ten being standard and 11-12 indicating exceptional sweetness. Two practical tips for assessing ripeness include checking the yellow field spot for a creamy, butter-like yellow hue and tapping the underside to listen for a deep, resonant sound.
