Explore

Sweet and Juicy Watermelon, One Look and You’ll Know It’s Ripe, No Need to Tire Your Hands Clapping

Watermelon is a refreshing and vitamin-packed fruit. To avoid buying unripe, tasteless ones, you can quickly learn some simple tricks below.

Administrator

18 March, 2024

110

Many people believe that when buying watermelon, you should listen to the sound it makes when tapped on the rind. If the watermelon makes a dull sound, it is said to be ripe and sweet. If the sound is more hollow, it is a sign that the watermelon is still young. If you hear a thud sound, it means that the watermelon is overripe and the flesh is mushy. However, some people find it difficult to choose a ripe and sweet watermelon just by tapping on it.

Therefore, instead of relying on the sound of the watermelon, you can examine the appearance of the watermelon to make a better choice.

Choose the bottom part of the watermelon with blemishes and yellow spots

Take a closer look at the color of the watermelon rind. Watermelons that come into contact with the ground often have dark yellow blemishes. Young watermelons will have a greenish-yellow rind, while ripe watermelons will have a golden yellow rind. The yellow spots or orange-yellow color on the bottom part of the watermelon indicate that it is a sweet and ripe watermelon.

The watermelon’s blossom end

Look at the blossom end of the watermelon to assess its sweetness. The blossom end is the part of the watermelon that is opposite to the stem, where the flower of the watermelon has fallen off. If the blossom end of the watermelon is large, it indicates that the rind will be thick and the flesh will be less sweet. If the blossom end is small, it means that the watermelon has a thin rind and the flesh is sweet enough. Therefore, choose a watermelon with a small and slightly sunken blossom end for the best flavor.

Check the veins on the watermelon rind

Ripe watermelons will have clear and evenly distributed veins. Watermelons with small and uneven veins or veins that are broken indicate that they are still young and not sweet enough.

Spots on the rind

The brown spots on the watermelon rind are not a sign of spoilage. They are marks left by bees pollinating the flowers. Watermelons with distinct and numerous brown spots have been pollinated multiple times. Such watermelons tend to be sweeter.

Watermelon size

Avoid choosing watermelons that are too large or too small. Watermelons with medium size, weighing between 1.5-3kg, are considered ideal.

Male watermelons are juicier, while female watermelons are sweeter

Male watermelons are usually larger, elongated in shape, and juicier. On the other hand, female watermelons are rounder, sweeter, and have fewer seeds. Another way to differentiate between male and female watermelons is by looking at the bottom part of the fruit. Male watermelons will have a small circular mark about the size of a coin, while female watermelons will have a larger and more distinct circular mark.

Examine the stem of the watermelon

However, it is important to observe carefully as there are cases where the stem of the watermelon withers due to detachment, indicating that it is still young and not fully ripe, resulting in a bland taste.

Frequently asked questions

Examine the appearance. Ripe watermelons have golden yellow rinds with dark yellow blemishes and distinct yellow or orange-yellow spots, especially on the bottom. These spots indicate sweetness.

Observe the blossom end, opposite the stem. A small blossom end indicates a thin rind and sweeter flesh. A large blossom end means a thicker rind and less sweet flesh.

Clear and evenly distributed veins on the rind suggest ripeness. Also, look for brown spots, which indicate bee pollination and tend to result in sweeter watermelons. Aim for medium-sized watermelons, as extremely large or small ones may be less ideal.

Male watermelons are usually larger and more elongated, with a small circular mark at the bottom. They tend to be juicier. Female watermelons are rounder, sweeter, and have fewer seeds, with a larger and more distinct circular mark.

Yes, the stem can provide a clue. If the stem is still attached and looks fresh, it suggests the watermelon is ripe. A withered stem could mean the watermelon is unripe and will taste bland.