Watermelon Guide
by Michael Potter · 21 things on Twos
- The Best Way to Choose the Sweetest Watermelon
- One of the surest ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe, is the "field spot," where the watermelon has been resting on the ground, Peters explains.
- Lift the watermelon and look for a spot that's a different hue than the rest of the rind. If you don't see a visible field spot and the rest of the watermelon's exterior is about the same color, Peters adds, this is a sign that the flesh is probably immature. A white spot is also often a sign that the watermelon is underripe.
- Jerrold Watson, co-owner of Watsonia Farms in Monetta, South Carolina, says the field spot of a ripe and ready watermelon should be creamy yellow to straw-like in color.
- Other Signs of a High-Quality Watermelon
- Beyond that, Peters, Watson, and Farmer Lee Jones, a regenerative farmer and founder of The Chef Garden in Huron, Ohio, recommend seeking fresh watermelon with the following attributes. The best watermelons:
- Feel heavy for their size (since watermelons are 92 percent water, a hefty watermelon means that it’s very likely to be juicy)
- Emit a deep, hollow sound when knocked on or tapped
- Are symmetrical in shape and free of bruises, cuts, and dents (light scratches are okay)
- Have a brown stem
- What to Avoid When Selecting a Watermelon
- Now that you know the top five traits to look for in fresh watermelon, let’s dig into what to avoid. Steer clear of watermelons that have the following characteristics:
- They are displayed or stored in direct sunlight or heat for days. Not only does exposure to heat over 75 degrees F (24 degrees C) shorten the quality lifespan of the fruit, but on very rare occasions, extremely high temperatures can also cause watermelons to explode.
- They look shiny rather than matte. Shininess may mean that the fruit is underripe, Jones says.
- They show any signs of visible “sunburn” on the exterior.
- They are not firm. A healthy and ripe (but not overripe) watermelon shouldn’t give when you gently press the rind or lift the fruit.
- They have a flat side. According to Peters, this is most often due to being packed too tight during shipping, storage, or selling, and it’s an indication that there might be internal bruising.
- How to Enjoy Watermelon
- Once you have your sweet watermelon home, it’s time to savor the fruits of your shopping labor.
- If you ask Peters and Watson, the best way to enjoy it is sliced or cubed, chilled overnight, and eaten in its unadulterated glory. As for Jones, he tells us, “I love a simple summer salad with fresh watermelon, feta, and basil.” (We think he’d adore this twist on a watermelon feta salad with all of the above, plus mint, cilantro, and red onion!)
- https://www.allrecipes.com/how-to-pick-the-sweetest-watermelon-11760593