Tips for choosing ripe

Nothing says summer like biting into a juicy, sweet watermelon—but picking a bad one can be a letdown. To find the best watermelon, look for a sugar spot: a small, dry, rough patch indicating sweetness. Choose melons with a deep, consistent green color and avoid pale or patchy ones, which signal early picking. Heaviness is also key—ripe watermelons are water-rich and should feel heavy for their size. Another trick is the sound test: tap it and listen for a hollow, echo-like sound, which suggests ripeness and crisp texture.

Check the underside for a creamy yellow field spot, showing the melon ripened naturally on the vine. A white or greenish spot means it was picked too soon. Inspect the rind for firmness and avoid any soft spots or mold. Slight scarring is fine, but deep blemishes indicate damage or overripeness. Bonus tip: go for a melon with a uniform shape—round or oval—as irregular ones may have grown unevenly and could taste off. Using these simple tips helps ensure you pick a watermelon that’s sweet, ripe, and worth your money—perfect for all your sunny-day gatherings.