Mastering the Art of Selecting Perfectly Ripe Watermelons: Must-Know Tips and Tricks

A perfectly ripe watermelon is synonymous with summer refreshment. There’s nothing like the sweet, juicy taste of a ripe watermelon. However, it can be difficult to determine the ripeness of this large fruit without cutting it. With this in mind, simple and effective tips will be presented to help you choose a ripe watermelon to enhance your moments of relaxation under the summer sun.

1. The importance of weight

One of the first signs of ripeness of a watermelon is its weight. When ripe, a watermelon is usually quite heavy for its size. This is because ripe watermelons contain a lot of water, which increases their weight. To estimate the weight of a watermelon, simply lift it and compare it to others of the same size.

2. The visual aspect

At first glance, choose a watermelon whose rind is uniform and without cracks. Perfectly ripe watermelons have a deep green outer layer, with no white or yellow areas. On the other hand, small black spots or dents are not a problem, these marks are often a sign of the fruit’s high sugar content.

3. The color of where it lies on the ground

Another indicator of ripeness is the color of the “field spot,” which is where the watermelon sits on the ground while ripening. This spot turns yellow when the watermelon is ripe.

4. The presence of a peduncle

A dry stalk is an excellent indicator of maturity. If a watermelon is cut from the vine while it is still green, the stem remains green and moist. Conversely, when the fruit is ripe, the peduncle dries up.

5. The “tapping” effect

For many watermelon lovers, “tapping” is the foolproof method of determining the ripeness of this fruit. To do this, tap the watermelon lightly with your fingers and listen to the sound it makes. If it sounds hollow, that usually means it’s ripe.

Here are some tips that will allow you to choose a perfectly ripe watermelon without having to cut it. Once you master these signs of ripeness, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious, juicy watermelon every time. And remember, the perfection of a watermelon lies in the pleasure it brings you with every bite.