There’s no better duo than a hot summer’s day and a slice of perfectly ripe and sweet watermelon in hand. That being said, there’s nothing worse than sinking your teeth in a mealy, flavourless watermelon. Unfortunately, watermelons do not ripen after it’s been harvested, which is why picking the right one from the get-go is important if you want to enjoy this delicious fruit. Luckily, there are a few tricks to help you pick the right watermelon:
It’s in the shape
You may find watermelons of all shapes at your grocery store. Seek out the ones that are rounder in shape instead of oval, as these tend to be sweeter in taste and less watery. Steer clear of the watermelons that are full of cuts, bumps and lumps and rather opt for those that are symmetrical in shape.
Find the field spot
Deemed as one of the biggest indicators of whether a watermelon is sweet and ripe is its field spot. This discoloured, yellow-ish spot on a watermelon is where the fruit rested on the ground before harvesting. A white field spot is a sign that the watermelon has been picked too soon and will most likely lack flavour and sweetness. A creamy yellow colour should be your go-to as these are the watermelons that have reached peak ripeness and should taste divine, just how we love them!
Knock-knock
Some people swear by this technique – gently tap the watermelon to determine its ripeness. If the sound is deep, it’s likely to be ripe. However, if the sound is higher in pitch it usually means the fruit is not fully ripe yet.
Pick it up
Want a juicy and ripe watermelon? Pick up the fruit – if it’s heavier than it looks it is a good sign that the watermelon is ripe and ready to be enjoyed.
Check the stem
Have a look at the stem that’s left on the watermelon. If it is still green, this means that the fruit was harvested before it was perfectly ripe. Dried, brown-ish stems are ideal.
Compiled by Bianca Muller
