Watermelons are available almost year-round. However, like many other fruits, it is best to buy watermelons during the peak season to get the sweetest and juiciest ones.
Inside the watermelon, about 85 – 95% is water, and the rest is mainly sugar. The sweet taste of the sugar is the result of the photosynthesis process and is stored inside the fruit.
Therefore, during the ripening period, if there is a lot of rain and little sunlight, it will affect the photosynthesis process of the leaves, resulting in less sugar content in the fruit, and naturally, the sweetness of the fruit will significantly decrease. That’s why watermelon is known as a summer fruit.
1.1 In the North
The weather in the Northern region is clearly divided into different seasons throughout the year. Therefore, watermelons are usually harvested in the summer when the weather is dry and hot. If you live in the North, it is easier to find sweeter and juicier watermelons during the summer season.
1.2 In Central Vietnam
The climate in Central Vietnam also has distinct differences. The hot and intense sunlight usually starts from the beginning of May and lasts until the end of August. Therefore, this is also the time when you can easily find the sweetest and juiciest watermelons.
1.3 In the South
Unlike the North and Central regions, the weather in the South remains relatively stable and dry throughout the year. Therefore, watermelons are available for sale all year round, and their sweetness is guaranteed.
However, since watermelons are a summer fruit, it is recommended to buy them during this season to ensure you get the sweetest and juiciest fruits!
The timing of purchasing watermelons greatly affects their quality. In addition, to choose the perfect watermelon, you also need to know the following tips to ensure you get the desired fruit.
2. Tips for choosing a delicious watermelon
2.1 Stem
2.2 Shape
When buying watermelons, choose ones that have a round and symmetrical shape because such watermelons are usually evenly ripe. On the other hand, watermelons with a larger top and a smaller bottom or those with a gourd shape are usually unripe and not as tasty.
2.3 Bottom
The bottom of the watermelon is the part that comes into contact with the ground during growth. Therefore, choose watermelons with a yellow (or cream) bottom, as it indicates that the watermelon is delicious.
Also, pay attention to whether the bottom is concave or not. The deeper the concave, the sweeter the watermelon.
2.4 Rind
Ripe watermelons have smooth rinds. If the watermelon has stripes, they should be clear. If the watermelon has a black rind, it should be dark black with a glossy appearance. In addition, to determine the quality of the watermelon, press the rind with your fingers. If the watermelon is firm, it is of good quality; if the rind is soft, it is not recommended to buy it.
Tapping the watermelon with your hand, if it produces a deep sound, it indicates that the watermelon is ripe and sweet. If it produces a hollow sound, it means the watermelon is unripe or overripe.
2.5 Bee Sting Marks
Brown marks or bee sting marks on the watermelon indicate that bees have come into contact with the pollen parts of the flower several times. The more pollination, the sweeter the watermelon.
2.6 Checking the Base and Weight
Usually, people choose watermelons with a deep base because watermelons with a deep base are usually delicious.
Between two watermelons of the same size, the ripe watermelon will have denser flesh and a heavier weight compared to the unripe one.
When comparing two watermelons of the same size, the heavier one will be tastier
2.7 Stem End
The stem end of a ripe watermelon is usually round and slightly indented.
2.8 Tapping Sound
Choosing watermelons based on tapping sound is a commonly used method. If the watermelon produces a “thump thump” sound, it is usually ripe, sweet, and delicious. However, this method can be time-consuming and may affect the quality of the watermelon.
Because sometimes you have to tap on multiple watermelons to find the perfect one. If tapping on the watermelon to listen to the sound is not the top tip for choosing watermelon, you should consider the following weight-based method!
2.9 Weight
Among watermelons of the same size but with different weights, choose the ones that are heavier. This indicates that the watermelon contains more water, is ripe, and reaches its sweetest stage.