Everybody loves watermelon. It is a delicious and healthy fruit to enjoy. It contains loads of Vitamin C that helps our immune system to produce antibodies to fight diseases.
Picking out the best watermelon is a lot harder than we think. In this article, you will learn how to choose the perfect watermelon.
Here are 20 tips on finding the perfect watermelon.
Field Spot
Finding the” field spot” or the yellow spot is easier if you look closely, it is rested on the ground. That yellow spot means that the watermelon is already ripe enough to eat. So try to look for these every time you pick up a watermelon.
Webbing
You have to look for the “webbing” if you want to get a deliciously ripe watermelon. The brown spots on the watermelon that look like a web indicate that the bees come into contact with pollination multiple times. More pollination on the watermelon means the sweeter the fruit!
Size
We cannot say the sweetness of the watermelon on its size. It doesn’t depend on how small or big it is. The safest way to look for a perfect watermelon is to choose average-sized ones. Lift it up. It should be heavy for its size because it indicates that the watermelon is full of water and sweetness. It is ripe and nice. The heavier the better!
Male Vs Female
The female watermelons have the sweetest taste and the size is also round. It is much smaller than the male ones. The male watermelons are bigger and elongated in shape. Because it is bigger the inside of it is very watery and not so sweet.
Watermelon Tail
To know if the watermelon is ripe you have to check the tail. If the tail of the watermelon is dried it means that it is ripe and ready to eat. If the watermelon was picked too soon the tail is green. The green tail indicates that the watermelon will not taste good. Just go for the dried tails if you want the juicy and sweet watermelon.
Knock Test
Tapping the underbelly of the watermelon is the best way to know if it’s ripe or not. The ripe watermelon has a deep hollow sound. Your knuckles should bounce off the melon if you do the knock tests. Thes surface should be hard also. The Unripe watermelon may sound dull, a dull thud may indicate that it’s starting to spoil. Also, a shiny appearance indicates unripe watermelon.
Watermelon Shape
Watermelons have different shapes and sizes. Some are round, others are oval and either of that is fine. But you can look for the irregular bumps because it indicates that the watermelon may have gotten inconsistent amounts of water and sun.
Color
A shiny watermelon may look nice and beautiful but it may also indicate unripe watermelon. A perfect watermelon should be dark green in color. It can look dull rather than shiny, but I will assure you that it’s a perfect pick!
Pre-Cut Watermelon
If you don’t want to buy one whole watermelon, you can purchase a pre-cut watermelon. Yet, you have to choose very carefully. Choose bright red flesh and black seeds. Avoid pieces with a lot of white streaks. This means that the watermelon is not good. The seeds should be intact on the watermelon’s flesh.
Storing
After purchasing a watermelon, you also have to store it correctly. The whole watermelon can last up to one week the refrigerator. Avoid bruising so handle the watermelon carefully. If you want to ripen the watermelon keep it in room temperature for a couple of days. This will make the watermelon ripe slightly, this is because when a watermelon is picked too soon it will never fully ripen.
Cutting The Watermelon
Cutting the watermelon doesn’t need knife skills. You just simply cut it into bite-size chunks using a sharp knife. First cut off the top and bottom, it will allow you to securely stand the watermelon on one of the cut edges. If you will not use the watermelon immediately, place it in a covered container and refrigerate. It will last for 3 to 4 days.
Deseeding The Watermelon
Deseeding the watermelon in very easy. Just cut the watermelon in half then in quarters. Using a fork just scrape the seeds from the piece you just removed. Easy!
Seedless Watermelon
They said that seedless watermelons are basically created genetically hybrid. But you cannot avoid them because they’re everywhere. Yet, the best choice id seedless watermelon because it may last longer than the normal watermelon. They are denser and don’t have any seeds inside that can break down the flesh. It is full of pure nutrients!
Watermelon Season
You have to buy a watermelon on its season and also buy from your local Ramer’s Market. You can also grow your own. Most of the country watermelon starts in late July and its peak was August.
Smell Test
Smelling the watermelon can also give you a hint if the watermelon is ripe or not. A ripe watermelon should smell slightly sweet. This trick can also be helpful in other fruits like cantaloupe, pineapple, and honeydew.
Consider The Date
You always have to be careful about purchasing watermelons on supermarkets because they are not common to slap a” sell-by date” on fruit. Watermelons have a spoiling point so you have to do some tests on the watermelon. If you picked at peak ripeness, your melon should last 1 to 2 weeks.
BONUS RECIPE :
Here are some bonus tips on how to serve and cut the watermelon.
Jello-Melon
This has to be the best dessert ever! You just have to mix two boxes of jello and packets of unflavored gelatin. Add 2 cups of boiling water and stir until dissolved! Place it in a fridge until the jello is set.
Watermelon Popsicle
Have you ever tried this super easy popsicle dessert? Put the watermelon into a high powered blender and blend until you have a very smooth puree. Put it into popsicle molds and put the lid to each popsicle then freeze until it is fully frozen.
Watermelon Drink Dispenser
Wash your watermelon and find it’s the nicest side. Trim a very small amount at the bottom of your watermelon. Expose as little of the actual watermelon as possible. Cut 3inches off the top portion of your watermelon and try to make the cut as clean as possible. Scoop out all the delicious melon with a melon baller and scoop as much of the melon as possible. Check the hole if its large enough to put the spigot in. Thread the spigot slowly for an effective dispenser and pour your favorite beverage inside.
Watermelon Pizza
Fun, juicy and fresh! It is one of the easiest desserts for everyone! It is healthy and fun to make. The method is super flexible and you can adjust it on your own taste.
Cookie Watermelon Salad
This is so easy to make. Using a star cookie cutter, cut out watermelon star shapes and easily transfer it to a big bowl. You can add fresh blueberries and cheese! Drizzle lemon zest over for added flavor and taste!
Cover Photo Credit: The Daily Meal