There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, sweet watermelon on a hot summer day. But picking the perfect watermelon can be a bit of a challenge. With so many sitting in the grocery store or at the farmer’s market, how do you know which one is the sweetest? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to pick the sweetest watermelon every time.
1. Look for the Field Spot
- The field spot, also known as the ground spot, is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. This spot should be a creamy yellow color. The darker and more pronounced the yellow, the longer the watermelon ripened on the vine, which usually means it will be sweeter. Avoid watermelons with a white or green field spot as they might not be as ripe.
2. Check the Shape and Size
- Watermelons come in various shapes and sizes, but when it comes to sweetness, it’s best to go for a more uniform shape. A symmetrical watermelon that’s not too tall or too wide usually indicates consistent growth, which can lead to a better taste. Also, pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size; this usually means it’s full of water and very juicy.
3. Inspect the Skin
- A ripe watermelon should have a dull skin, not shiny. The dullness indicates that the watermelon is ripe and ready to eat. Also, look for a watermelon that has a slightly rough texture; a perfectly smooth skin could mean that it was picked too early.
4. The Thump Test
- The thump test is an old but reliable method. Tap the watermelon with your knuckles and listen for the sound. A ripe watermelon will have a deep, hollow sound, which indicates that it’s full of water and therefore juicy. If the sound is dull or flat, the watermelon might be underripe.
5. Examine the Stem
- If the stem is still attached, it can tell you a lot about the ripeness of the watermelon. A dried, brown stem usually means the watermelon is ripe, while a green stem could indicate it was picked too early.
6. Look for Sugar Spots and Webbing
- Sugar spots are small, dark brown or black rough patches on the skin, and webbing looks like a brown, rough web. Both of these are good signs! Sugar spots indicate where sugar is seeping out, meaning the watermelon is likely very sweet. Webbing usually shows where bees pollinated the flower, and more pollination generally means a sweeter fruit.
7. Consider the Season
- Watermelons are at their peak sweetness during the summer months, especially from June to August. While you can find watermelons year-round, those harvested in season are usually sweeter and juicier.
8. Smell the Watermelon
- This tip is especially helpful if you’re at a farmer’s market. A ripe watermelon will often have a slightly sweet smell near the stem end. If there’s no smell, it might not be fully ripe.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect watermelon doesn’t have to be a guessing game. By paying attention to these tips—the field spot, shape, skin, sound, stem, and season—you’ll be able to choose a watermelon that’s sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Next time you’re at the store or market, use this guide to find a watermelon that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!