It’s watermelon season, and let me tell you, I’ve set a goal this summer to indulge in as much watermelon as I possibly can. Why? Because with a whopping 92% water content, nothing screams summer like biting into a juicy slice of watermelon.
But let’s face it, picking the perfect watermelon isn’t always easy. It’s such a letdown to spend all that effort slicing into a big one, only to find it tastes bland. Luckily, my dad, a veteran grocery shopper, has shared his foolproof techniques for selecting the best watermelons year after year.
Each summer, I revisit the challenge of determining if a watermelon is ripe. Unlike muskmelons, which conveniently detach from the vine when perfect, watermelons stick around even past their prime. The real bummer comes when you expect a sweet, refreshing bite and it turns out dull and flavorless.
Growing up, I was always amazed at how my dad could tap, scrutinize, and gently squeeze fruits at the store, always going home with the ripest pick. Over time, he passed down his wisdom to me, including a no-fail method for spotting a ripe watermelon every time.
Remember, watermelons don’t ripen after they’re picked. This means no waiting around for them to ripen like you might with other fruits. For cantaloupes and other melons, they might soften up a bit after a few days at room temperature, but their sweetness is locked in at harvest.
I’ve never mastered the “thump” test, where the old-timers tap on the watermelon, listening for a deep, hollow sound, like a drum. The sound should be more of a “punk” than a “pink” or “pank.” Sadly, I’ve missed the mark with this method before, ending up with melons that were underripe.
When I’m unsure, I sometimes check the seed packet for guidance. For instance, my Sugar Babies should be ready about 80 days after planting. We began indoors in May and moved them to the garden in June. They’re nearly ripe, but I remind myself to be patient, especially as they ripen significantly in the last two weeks.
So, whether you’re shopping at your local store or picking from your own garden, here are some seasoned tips to ensure you choose a watermelon that’s ripe and ready to enjoy.
Look at Rind Appearance
When checking out watermelons, start by examining the rind. A young watermelon sports a glossy rind, but as it matures, this gloss fades to a dull finish. Seasoned growers will tell you that the texture also shifts from smooth to a more textured, bumpy feel. For striped varieties, ripe fruits show a vivid distinction between the stripes and the base color.
Make sure to look over the entire surface of the watermelon. Steer clear of any that have cuts or soft patches. However, don’t worry about minor surface scratches as they’re generally harmless and often occur during transport.
A faded top on the watermelon usually indicates sun exposure, another good sign of ripeness. You’re looking for a matte appearance in the rind; a shiny surface suggests the fruit hasn’t fully matured yet.
If the watermelon is oddly shaped or lumpy, it likely experienced uneven sun and water exposure during growth, which can affect its flavor consistency. Avoid melons that show signs of bruising or significant deformities.
On the other hand, a perfectly shaped watermelon with a smooth, dull rind generally indicates a good pick. Irregular shapes and bumps might suggest irregular growing conditions, which could lead to less desirable flavors.
Lastly, the ideal watermelon should feel firm yet slightly yielding on the rind. Pressing the blossom end can also offer clues: a rock-hard end suggests it’s not ripe yet, whereas a squishy end might mean it’s overripe. Aim for somewhere comfortably in between for that perfect juicy crunch.
Check The Stem
When picking a watermelon, take a close look at the stem area. If there’s still a stem attached, you’re better off choosing one that’s brown and dry rather than fresh and green. A brown stem suggests the melon had enough time to fully ripen on the vine, enhancing its sweetness.
In contrast, a green stem indicates that the melon was picked too soon, meaning it likely didn’t ripen completely. Ideally, the best melons don’t have any stem left, as they’ve naturally detached from the vine at peak ripeness.
Remember, a watermelon won’t ripen any further once it’s been harvested, so it’s crucial to pick one that’s already reached its full potential for the best flavor.
Look at the Belly
When choosing a ripe watermelon, don’t overlook the importance of the belly, the part of the melon that rests against the ground as it grows. This area is known as the field spot, and its color is a reliable indicator of ripeness.
A ripe watermelon will display a yellowish, sometimes described as buttery, spot on its underside, rather than a white one, which suggests it’s not fully ripe yet. This creamy yellow spot signifies that the melon was allowed to mature on the vine under the sun, absorbing all that sweetness.
Additionally, the weight of the watermelon is another clue to its ripeness. Watermelons are made up of about 92% water, so a ripe one will feel surprisingly heavy for its size. If you’re uncertain, try comparing it with another watermelon of similar size; the heavier one is likely the riper choice.
Always check for that distinctive creamy yellow patch; a pale or greenish-white field spot might mean the melon was picked too soon and hasn’t reached its full flavor potential.
Scouting The Sugar Spots for the Sweetest Slice
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect watermelon, keep an eye out for extensive webbing, also known as “sugar spots.” These unique, vein-like patterns are the result of successful pollination. Essentially, the more pronounced these markings are, the more the fruit was pollinated, which usually means a sweeter watermelon.
You’ll also notice brown webbing or tiny black dots on the surface—these are your sugar spots. They indicate that sugar has seeped through the rind, signaling that the watermelon is ripe and packed with sweetness, ready to be enjoyed on its own or tossed into your favorite summer salad.
Be sure to differentiate these sugar spots from the soft, brown or white patches that signify belly rot. Belly rot accelerates the decay process and not only imparts a bitter flavor but can also be harmful if consumed. Always steer clear of melons showing signs of this condition.
While there’s no concrete scientific backing, many believe that the extensive webbing, resembling a spider’s web, is also a telltale sign of a well-pollinated and thus, a sweeter fruit. Remember, the more webbing, the better the chance of a deliciously ripe watermelon.
Check the tendril
Keep an eye on the tendril when checking for watermelon ripeness. Watermelons develop a curly tendril at the spot where they attach to the vine. As the fruit ripens, this tendril transitions from green and flexible to brown and brittle.
A brown, dried-out tendril indicates a ripe watermelon, suggesting it can stay on the vine for up to two weeks unless it rains heavily, which might cause the fruit to split, similar to what happens with tomatoes.
In contrast, a green tendril suggests the fruit is still maturing. When selecting watermelons either from your garden or at a local market, this tip is especially useful. While at the grocery store, you might not find it as applicable.
Remember, the vine and leaves should still appear vibrant and green even when the fruit is ripe. A still-green tendril means patience is needed, as the watermelon isn’t ready yet. Conversely, if the vine starts to brown, it’s a sign that the fruit won’t ripen further and should be harvested soon to avoid spoilage.
Timing is Everything with Watermelons
Have you kept the seed packet from your watermelon and noted the date you sowed them? Most traditional watermelon varieties will match the description on the packet if the essential conditions—such as fertile soil, sufficient watering, and a pest-free environment—are met.
Typically, a mature watermelon will grow to the size listed on the packet, although garden conditions can influence the actual size somewhat.
The length of time your watermelon has been growing also offers a hint about its ripeness. The packet provides a range, usually between 80 and 120 days from planting to ripe fruit. If you started with seedlings, simply track the time from when the flowers bloom—it usually takes around five weeks from bloom to harvest.
The ‘Sugar Baby’ bush variety is perfect for smaller spaces, with vines stretching just 2 to 3 feet and yielding two 12-pound melons each.
However, ‘Sugar Baby’ melons defy the usual sign of ripeness involving the browning of tendrils. For this variety, once the tendril is brown and dry, mark your calendar for another week to ten days before harvesting. A permanent marker works well for noting the date directly on the melon, making it easy to track the optimal picking time.
A ripe watermelon has a distinctive “field spot” on its belly, the part that rests on the ground. This spot turns a yellowish, buttery color when the fruit is ripe, as opposed to white, which signals an unripe fruit.
Do a thump test
Have you ever tapped on a watermelon to check if it’s ripe? It might sound a bit quirky, but many swear by this technique. To test it out, give the underside of the watermelon a gentle tap with your knuckles and listen carefully.
What you’re hoping to hear is a deep, resonant sound, almost like a drumbeat, which suggests the melon is juicy and ready to eat. If it emits a dull, flat sound, or if the rind feels soft, it’s best to leave it behind. A perfectly ripe melon won’t sound tinny or tight; instead, it should give off a robust “plunk.”
If you’re trying this out for the first time, it’s okay to feel a bit uncertain. Everyone has to start somewhere! To get the hang of it, you might try tapping on a variety of melons to hear the different sounds.
An underripe melon will produce a higher-pitched, more metallic sound, while an overripe one might give a heavier “thud.” It’s like learning a new language—you’ll get better with practice.
If you need a little guidance, don’t hesitate to ask someone with more experience, like a vendor at your local farmers’ market or a produce manager at your supermarket. They can often demonstrate the technique for you, helping you tune your ear to the subtle differences.
This hands-on approach can make your next trip to pick out a watermelon a lot more fun and successful.
Feel its weight
When you’re at the market trying to choose the perfect watermelon, here’s a handy tip: pick up a few that are about the same size and feel which one is the heaviest. While it’s not an infallible method, a watermelon that feels solid and heavy is usually a good sign of ripeness.
Watermelons vary in weight, but a ripe one is typically dense with water and should feel substantial when lifted. Remember, the size of the fruit can differ because of varying growing conditions, but a heavier melon among those of similar size is often the riper choice.
On the other hand, a watermelon that’s surprisingly light for its size might not be quite ready to eat, and one that’s too heavy might be past its prime.
Using Your Nose
When picking a watermelon, your sense of smell is your best ally. If a watermelon is ripe, you’ll notice a mild, sweet scent similar to its flavor seeping through its rind. If there’s no smell, the melon probably isn’t ripe yet. Be cautious with overly strong aromas though, as they may signal that the melon is past its prime.
To test this, lift the watermelon away from its pile and take a gentle whiff. You’re looking for a subtle sweetness, indicative of just the right ripeness. This sniffing technique isn’t just for watermelons—it’s effective for choosing other melons like cantaloupes and honeydews too.
So next time you’re in the fruit aisle, trust your nose to lead you to the freshest, tastiest melon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do watermelons continue to ripen once picked?
No, watermelons do not ripen after they are picked, making it essential to select a ripe one either in the store or before harvesting. Once off the vine, a watermelon’s quality remains constant until it begins to spoil.
What are the signs that a watermelon is ripe?
Keep an eye out for these changes:
- The green exterior loses its brightness.
- For striped varieties, the space between the stripes darkens.
- The rind becomes tougher.
- The end where the flower was softens.
- Growth stops and the fruit doesn’t increase in size.
- The patch of the melon that rested on the ground changes from white to a creamy yellow.
- The main vine’s end nearest the melon may show signs of browning or cracking.
- The tendril closest to the fruit on the main vine will turn brown.
Is it difficult to pick a ripe watermelon?
Picking a ripe watermelon is straightforward. It won’t detach as effortlessly as a cantaloupe but doesn’t require excessive force either. A light pull should be enough to harvest it.
When should you buy watermelons?
The best time to buy watermelons in the U.S. is from May through September. For the freshest produce and to reduce environmental impact, opt for watermelons grown locally. The leading states for watermelon cultivation are Florida, California, Texas, and Georgia.
Are round or oblong watermelons sweeter?
Generally, round watermelons are sweeter and contain less water compared to their oblong counterparts.
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