Tips for Selecting a Sweet and Juicy Watermelon
Watermelon is an affordable, refreshing, and widely available fruit. However, its thick and hard rind makes it challenging to choose the perfect watermelon without proper knowledge. To avoid purchasing bland or hollow watermelons, follow these expert tips:
Inspect the Bottom
Opt for watermelons with a discolored and yellow-spotted bottom. The area in contact with the ground develops a darker shade and more blemishes. An unripe watermelon will have a greenish-yellow bottom, while a ripe watermelon will display a vibrant yellow color. Yellow or orange spots on the bottom also indicate a sweet watermelon.
Examine the Belly Button
The “belly button” of a watermelon, where the flower once was attached, can reveal its sweetness. Generally, watermelons with a larger belly button tend to have thicker rinds and less flavorful flesh. In contrast, watermelons with a smaller belly button often have thinner rinds and sweeter flesh.
Look for Bee Stings
Brown marks or bee stings on a watermelon indicate frequent contact with the flower’s reproductive organs. The more pollination that occurs, the sweeter the watermelon becomes.
Size and Shape
According to some, larger and oblong watermelons are typically “male” watermelons, containing more water. Conversely, round watermelons tend to be sweeter and have fewer seeds.
Check the Stem
The stem of a watermelon provides insight into its ripeness. If the stem is green, the watermelon may have been harvested prematurely and may not be fully ripe. A ripe watermelon will have a small, dried-up stem, with a curled appearance indicating advanced maturity and a sweeter flavor. However, it’s important to examine the stem carefully as some watermelons may have wilted stems due to vine death, resulting in unripe and bland fruit.
Additional Tips
– Avoid watermelons with cuts or bruises, as they may spoil faster.
– Store ripe watermelons at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
– Cut watermelons should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a few days.
With these tips, you can confidently select the best watermelons for your next refreshing fruit snack.