Watermelons are a delicious treat, but you have to be mindful when buying one. If you accidentally buy an unripe watermelon, you’ll never get the sweet taste you expect!
But how can you determine the ripeness of a watermelon? It’s actually much simpler than most people realize. Read on to learn all about how to choose the perfect melon! 🍉🍉🍉
How to Pick a ripe watermelon 🍉
It’s watermelon season. Yay! Don’t ruin your family picnic (like last year) by choosing an unripe watermelon.
Here are 4 well-guarded secret methods you can use to determine melon freshness. These are secret, so don’t tell anyone!
🍉 Tip 1: A Ripe Watermelon Smells Amazing
There are many ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe, but the easiest way to determine ripeness is to perform the Sniff Test ™. A ripe watermelon will have a sweet aroma, similar to ripe cantaloupe or ripe honeydew melons.
If you find yourself unable to determine if your sweet watermelon is ripe by smelling it, there are other ways you can tell.
🍉 Tip 2: It’ll Have a Yellow Belly Spot
Watermelons are delicious, but if you try to bite in before they’re ripe, all you’ll get is a mouthful of sour pulp. So instead, check for the yellow spot on the bottom of the melon that indicates it’s ripe.
This “ground spot,” also known as a “field spot,” appears when ethylene gas produced by the fruit itself reacts with enzymes naturally present in the flesh.
The reaction causes a chemical change that turns a small percentage of the watermelon’s cells yellow. A pale yellow area on the bottom of your watermelon is the best way to determine if it’s ripe or not.
🍉 Tip 3: It’s gonna be Heavy
Judging the weight of a good watermelon can be tricky if you’re not used to it. Try picking up a few that are about the same size. Once you have a sense of how they feel, you’ll be better equipped to determine which one is heavier.
Heavier = Better-er
Another thing to look for is the rind – it should be firm, and there shouldn’t be much give. The green stem end should also be a little flexible.
🍉 Tip 4: Deep Hollow Sound When You Thump It
With a bit of practice, you’ll better identify a perfect watermelon. To test the ripeness of a watermelon, tap or flick the underside of the fruit. This method is called the Thump Test ™.
Listen for a deep, low-pitched sound. If it sounds dull, it’s likely an unripe melon. Also, keep an eye out for any soft spots. This can be a sign of an overripe watermelon.
FAQ:
How Many Calories in a Slice of Watermelon?
Watermelon is 92 percent water and contains 50 calories per average-sized fresh slice.
This makes watermelon an excellent choice if you are watching your weight or simply indulging in something sweet!
Can I eat the Seeds?
Yes! You can safely eat watermelon seeds. They contain antioxidants and amino acids, which are good for you and your health.
Watermelon seeds are NOT poisonous.
can watermelon cause diarrhea?
The liquid in watermelon contains a chemical called citrulline, which has been found to cause watery stool and other symptoms of digestive upset like stomach cramps or diarrhea.
But this is rare. Enjoy your watermelon!
Is watermelon safe for dogs?
Watermelon is a great fruit to give your dog on a hot day, as it’s low in calories and packed with nutrients – vitamins A, B6, and C, potassium, and more. It also has no fat or cholesterol, so you don’t have to feel guilty about giving your pup this tasty snack!
Before you feed your pup watermelon, be sure to remove any seeds. They could cause an intestinal blockage, so be careful. The rind of the watermelon can also upset your dog’s stomach, so it’s best to remove it before giving it to them.
Is watermelon a berry?
Yes, watermelons are berries! Many people think of berries as any small fruit that can be eaten, but the official definition of a berry is “a fleshy fruit produced from a single ovary.”
This means that watermelons, oranges, kumquats, and even tomatoes are part of the berry family.
Common Types Of Watermelon
The type of juicy watermelon you’ll find in the produce section of your grocery store is the Picnic Watermelon. The farmers’ market will have more varieties to choose from. These other watermelons are all vying for the title of “best flavor.”
If you come across any of these varieties, definitely give them a try!
watermelon types & varieties:
Seedless Watermelons
- Queen of Hearts
- King of Hearts
- Jack of Hearts
- Millionaire
- Crimson
- Trio
- Nova
Yellow & Orange Watermelons
- Desert King
- Tendergold
- Yellow Baby
- Yellow Doll
I’m a lover of sweet watermelons! I hope this was an informative post! My methods should come in handy the next time you’re shopping for the best watermelon. I would love to hear from you in the comment section below!
-Kelsey
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