As watermelon season wraps up, we are seeing tons of them on sale. You want to make sure you choose a good one, or else you'll be stuck with 15 pounds of lackluster fruit. The key to finding a good one by sight is looking for a rather ugly one that has a big yellowish patch on one side. That spot indicates how it was resting on the field. The darker the yellow, the longer it's been sweetening up. If you do not see one of these spots, it is underripe.
Try to find one that's uniform in shape, whether it is round or oval. If you see irregular bumps, it was not getting proper water or sunlight, changing its taste. Little brown scuff marks on the melon are also good. They are an indication that sugar is coming out of it, which means it's even sweeter. You should also give it a knock with your knuckles. A muffled hollow thud means it's a good one, and a higher pitched ringing sounds means it is unripe.
In my photo, I added a pink arrow so you know which one we went with, and it was PERFECT!
My friend's dad was in charge of the produce section of a big grocery store for years. He gave me all these pointers.
Source: Pointers from our friend, Mr. Smith
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That is a great pointer Attosa, thank you.
I never know exactly what the right "knock" is suppose to sound like exactly, and always just go on an *I hope it's ripe* and that *I hope that knock was the right tone*, haha
Hahaha it's a deep thump, Suz! Like it's heavy and has a deep voice :D If it's a high pitched, almost metallic sound, just say no!!!!! ;)
That's in the memory bank now, thank you Attosa! :)
I never pick a good one so I am saving and sharing this information. Thank you Attosa
Fabulous, GB! :)
Best advice!
I buy produce at a local market and usually have them cut it in half so I can see the inside. Pale pink vs red and sometimes a mushy appearance are no-go s and I have them cut Another one
Nice to know about the colouring :)
In addition to all your tips, it should feel heavy for its size.
Excellent addition!
All of this is great information, Thank You!!!
You're welcome!
I was always told to check the stem end. If it's rough the melon was picked too soon, or is that just for cantaloupe?
I think that works here, as well. I think if the end is rough, it's not quite ripe. If you're growing watermelon, however, if the tendril that attaches right there is still springy, it's still growing.
Another way to tell is if it feels heavy for its size. If you have a couple that fit the criteria she mentioned, pick the one that seems heavy for its size. You will know it when you feel it. If youre choosing between the best two or three, pick the heavy one. You will not be disappointed!
I must have missed this before! Great stuff! Cheers, Attosa.
Marg from England.
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