Guide to Choosing and BuyingWatermelonGood and Sweet
When the season for sweet, juicy watermelons arrives, picking a sweet watermelon can be a real challenge that requires experience and knowledge. So, what is the best way to tell if a watermelon is ripe?
There are several ways to determine the ripeness and sweetness of a watermelon. Generally, the most noticeable sign of ripeness is the color change of its skin.SelMagzWe will explore tricks related to this topic.
Spot onWatermelon Skin
If you pay close attention, you can see that there is a large spot of a different color on part of the skin of striped watermelons. This color change indicates the area of contact with the ground. If this spot is white with a hint of green, it indicates the watermelon is under-ripe. However, if it’s a bright yellow and creamy color, with dark and smooth lines, it indicates the watermelon is ripe.
Shape of Watermelon
Generally, ripe watermelons with striped patterns are sweeter the rounder they are, and juicier the more elongated they are. Also, watermelons with a dull and less shiny skin are better than shinier types.
Color of Watermelon Skin
For oval watermelons with light green color, known as white watermelons, the brighter and closer to white the fruit is, the sweeter and juicier it is. However, some varieties of dark green watermelons, while not as tasty or crunchy, have good seeds for roasting.
Smell of Watermelon
One simple way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to smell it. It’s best to choose watermelons that aren’t near cantaloupes or other fruits. This way, you can detect the best watermelon scent. A ripe watermelon should have a slight sweet smell, which may indicate its juiciness and sweetness. Smelling the watermelon will help you know if it’s ripe or not.Stem of WatermelonTo determine a good watermelon, another method is to pay attention to the stem or stalk attached to it. If the watermelon stem is dry, this is a sign of ripeness, but if the stem is still green, it indicates that the watermelon is still unripe.
Checking Weight and Sound of Watermelon
One simple way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to tap on it. Give a few taps to the middle of the watermelon with your fingertips and listen closely. A ripe watermelon makes a hollow, deep sound, while an under-ripe one sounds solid and heavy. This method is very easy for many people, allowing them to differentiate between ripe and unripe watermelons without special experience.Pressing the Skin of WatermelonTo ensure the watermelon you’re choosing is sweet and ripe, you can gently press the side of it. A ripe watermelon is usually soft enough to not feel like a hard rock. However, it shouldn’t be too soft. It’s better to go for watermelons that feel slightly softer than a rock under your finger pressure. This way, you can easily identify a watermelon that is sweet and ripe.
Checking Male and Female Watermelons
Male watermelons are usually larger and oval-shaped, while female watermelons tend to be rounder. To identify the gender of a watermelon, simply look at its appearance. If you’re looking for sweet watermelon, it’s better to choose a small round female one. Generally, female watermelons are less juicy and sweeter than male ones. With this simple method, you can identify and select sweeter watermelons.
Watermelon Skin
Spot on the Watermelon Skin
Watermelon
Sweet Watermelon
