Tips

9 Ways to Choose Sweet and Juicy Watermelon That Not Everyone Knows

Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit that is rich in vitamins. It is a popular choice during hot summer days. However, not everyone knows how to choose a sweet and delicious watermelon. Let's take a look at some tips for selecting the perfect watermelon!

Administrator

15 December, 2023

Watermelon is available almost all year round. However, like many other fruits, buying watermelon also requires choosing the right season to get the sweetest and juiciest ones.

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit that is favored by many during the summer.

Inside the watermelon, about 85-95% is water, while the rest is mostly sugar. The sweetness 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 less sunlight, it will affect the photosynthesis process of the leaves, resulting in a decrease in 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 North has clear distinctions between seasons throughout the year. Therefore, watermelon is usually harvested in the summer, when the weather is dry and hot. So, if you are in the North, buying watermelon in the summer will make it easier to choose sweeter and juicier watermelons.

1.2 In the Central

The climate in the Central region also has clear distinctions. The hot and intense sunlight usually starts from early May and lasts until the end of August. Therefore, this will also be the best time to buy the sweetest, juiciest, and most refreshing watermelons.

1.3 In the South

Unlike the North and Central regions, the weather in the South is usually stable and dry. That’s why watermelon is available almost all year round, and the sweetness is guaranteed.

However, as it is a summer fruit, you should buy them during this season to easily choose sweet and juicy watermelons!

The time of purchase will greatly determine the quality and taste of the watermelon. In addition, to choose the perfect watermelon, you also need to know the following tips to ensure you pick the right watermelon according to your preferences.

2. Tips for choosing a delicious watermelon

2.1 Watermelon stem

Looking at the watermelon stem will reveal the ripeness of the fruit. If the stem is green, it means the watermelon has been picked too early and is not ripe. The stem of a ripe watermelon should be small, dried, and twisted, indicating that the watermelon is ripe, mature, and will be very sweet.

However, you need to pay close attention because there are watermelons with withered stems due to dead vines, which means they may be unripe and tasteless.

2.2 Shape

When buying watermelon, you should choose ones that are round and evenly shaped. Watermelons with consistent round shapes, equal size at both ends, tend to ripen evenly. On the other hand, watermelons with large heads and small tails, or gourd-shaped watermelons, are often unripe and not delicious.

2.3 Bottom of the watermelon

The bottom of the watermelon is the part that comes into contact with the ground during its growth. Therefore, you should choose watermelons with a yellow (or cream-colored) bottom, as it indicates that the watermelon is delicious.

Also, pay attention to whether the bottom is indented or not. The deeper the indentation, the sweeter the watermelon.

2.4 Watermelon rind

The rind of a ripe watermelon is smoother. For watermelons with stripes, the stripes should be clear. If the rind is black, it should be dark black and shiny. In addition, to determine the quality of the watermelon, press the rind with your finger. If the watermelon is firm, it is of good quality. If the rind is soft, it is not recommended to buy.

Another method is to tap the watermelon. If it produces a deep sound, it is ripe and delicious. If it produces a light, hollow sound, it means the watermelon is still unripe or overripe.

2.5 Watermelon with bee stings

Brown spots or bee stings on the watermelon indicate that bees have come into contact with the pollen part of the flower multiple times. The more pollination, the sweeter the watermelon.

2.6 Check the melon base and weight

Normally, people tend to choose watermelons with a deep base, as watermelons with a deep base usually taste better.

Between two watermelons of the same size, the older watermelon will have denser flesh and weigh more compared to the younger, unripe watermelon.

Lift the watermelon to estimate its weight. If it feels heavier than you expected based on its size, it is likely a delicious watermelon.

2.7 Watermelon blossom end

The blossom end of a ripe watermelon is usually round and slightly indented.

2.8 Sound when tapping

Choosing a watermelon based on the sound when tapping is a commonly used technique. Watermelons that produce a “thump” sound are usually ripe, juicy, and sweet. However, this method can sometimes take a lot of time and may affect the quality of the watermelon.

Because sometimes, you have to tap on the entire watermelon stall to find the one you like. If tapping the watermelon to listen to the sound is not the top method for selecting watermelon, then you should consider the weight method as follows!

2.9 Weight

Watermelons of the same size, but with a larger weight, will be tastier.

With watermelons of the same size but different weights, you should choose the ones with a heavier weight. This indicates that the watermelon contains more water, has ripened well, and reaches its sweetest taste.