It is very disappointing of seeing sometimes when an outside lush green watermelon sliced but found white and tastelessly pale, bland, and watery inside. If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle, looking down at a mountain of melons and wondering which one is best deal, then this is the common problem which many people are facing while buying good and sweet watermelons.
With a few quick tips supported by experts, you can increase skill of selecting a sweet, juicy melon by understanding a technique of choosing a correct watermelon from outside observation.
9. Avoid Shiny or Deformed Melons
A shiny outer shell is definite proof it’s not ripe. A matte or dull spot on melon is a sign of its ripeness, says Dr. Penelope Perkins-Veazie, a watermelon expert at North Carolina State University. Shiny and spotless melons skin shows that it is not yet fully developed on the vine. Also, it is not a good melon if it has a abnormal shapes, bumps, or soft squishy areas. An, perfectly symmetrical watermelon with yellow spot is a good indication that it grew in perfect conditions and is ripened naturally.
8. Opt for Symmetry and a Full Shape
Whether round or oval, the shape should be consistent at both the ends. Amy Goldman, seed expert for heirloom varieties, describes lopsided melons are the product of inadequate pollination and having inferior texture or taste. Opt for a melon that is balanced and consistently in good shape with rippen yellow spots.
7. Inspect the Stripes and Surface Webbing
Glossy, and striping melons are good, particularly the local supermarket varieties. The light green stripes should be bright, and the darker stripes should be creamy yellow. Another good sign? Web-like, brown patterns, which are also known as “sugar spots,” which indicate that where sugar has leaked out of the melon, this shows that the melon is sweeter from inside.
6. A Creamy Yellow Field Spot
Turn your watermelon over and find the yellow field spot, it is the lighter section where the melon was touched to the ground. Creamy yellow or orange field spots indicates that, the fruit have spent enough time on the vine and is ripen completely. A pale or white spot indicates the watermelon was picked too early and might be lacking its sweat flavor and bright red color.
5. Knock on It and Check the Rind
Gently tap the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep, hollow sound; a dull or high-pitched sound could indicate that melon is not ripe or too much ripe and spoiled. It needs a little bit of practice, but the knock test can be very useful. And also check the texture of the skin should be hard and firm, not soft or spongy.
4. Pick the Heaviest One for Its Size
Check a few watermelons of similar size and accompany the heaviest one. The heavier melon tends to be full of water, and hopefully more juicy and flavorful. This trick proves especially helpful with small or “personal-sized” watermelons, but this trick works for most of the time.
3. Check the Stem and Look for Ridges
If it has a little bit of stem remaining, and it will be dry and curled, then this is a sign that the melon has been left to mature naturally. A green or recently broken stem indicates the early melon picking. You may also see fine ridges or veins along the skin, which are another maturity indicator.
2. Store Whole Watermelon at Room Temperature
Once you’ve brought home your perfect watermelon, stop putting it in the fridge immediately. Experts like farmer Ingrid Abraham and dietitian Julie Stefanski suggest storing the melons in a cool, shaded spot at a room temperature can be helpful. This helps to preserve the flavor and protects nutrients like lycopene. Whereas a full watermelon can be kept for a week on the open counter, or for extended two or three weeks in the refrigerator, the flavor is best when melons are consumed immediately after purchase.
1. Keep Cut Watermelon Fresh the Right Way
After cutting, the watermelon become more vulnerable to outside environment. Once cut, the melon can pick up odors from your refrigerator and can become mushy if left in its juices for more time. Stephanie Barlow of the National Watermelon Promotion Board suggests keeping slices or cubes in tightly closed containers or wrapping large peace of melon tightly in plastic wrap can prevent it from spoiling for can preserve it for a longer time use.
For cubes, it may be helpful to place them in a mesh over a bowl so that excess juice can drain off. Alternatively, just pour out the juice from cut melons can be helpful. Cut watermelon can be keep fresh for 3 to 5 days in the fridge if stored in pack container or polythene bag. If you want to store it for longer time period, then put it in a freeze tray in bite-sized pieces and in a bag or airtight container and check it periodically to confirm the quality.
With these above tips suggested by experts, selecting the best watermelon is no longer hard. From the supermarket produce stand to your kitchen counter, you’ll be able to easily spot the above mentioned important markers and ensure that your melon you choose is the best. So, at the next time when you bring a melon home, sit back and enjoy every delicious, thirst-quenching bite with these smart and known melon selection techniques.
She is an Editor of segment Behavioural Wellness & Motivation
She is done her M.A. in Health Psychology, University of North Carolina | Certified Health Coach (NBHWC)
Rachel joined Gymbag in 2018 with a mission to help readers stay consistent, not just inspired. With more than a decade of experience in behavioral change, she specializes in building motivation, managing wellness setbacks, and turning small wins into lasting habits.