Supermarkets love it when you buy watermelon “blindly” because that way they get rid of the less-than-perfect pieces. But the 90-year-old plumber would confirm that even with watermelons, there is a technical inspection that anyone can handle.
Forget about banging (unless you’re a professional piano tuner). To find the sweetest piece, look for these 4 external signs that the watermelon can’t fool:
- “Territory” (Yellow Spot)
This is the most important point. The watermelon doesn’t grow in the air, but lies on the ground.
Bad choice: A white or light green spot. This means the watermelon was picked too early.
Winner: Look for a deep creamy-yellow to orange-yellow spot. The darker it is, the longer the melon has been ripening in the sun and the sweeter it is.
- “Bee Marks” (Brown Scars)
Do you see those dry, brown marks on the rind that look like spiderwebs or scabs? Most people think they’re a bruise.
Truth: It’s the opposite! These scars are caused by bees trying to get to the sweet nectar during the bloom. The more “webs,” the more often the bees pollinated the flower, and the sweeter the flesh inside.
- Melon Gender (Spherical vs. Oval)
You may not have heard of it, but farmers differentiate between “boys” and “girls” melons:
Boys (elongated, oval shape): They’re waterier and less sweet. Great for a refreshing treat, but not a “sugary” experience.
Girls (round, symmetrical balls): They tend to be smaller, but significantly sweeter. For the best, look for the most perfect ball possible.
- Stem (Dry Tail)
This is the definitive proof of ripeness.
Green Stem: The watermelon was growing when it was picked. It will taste like a cucumber.
Dry, brown, and twisted stem: The watermelon ripened naturally and “unplugged” from the plant on its own. This is a guarantee that the sugars are at their peak.
Quick “pull” chart for the store:
Sign Sweet Melon (Take it!) Watery Melon (Leave it there)
Spot Dark Orange / Yellow White / Light Green
Shape Round (“Girl”) Oval (“Boy”)
Cobwebs Lots of brown scars Clean, smooth skin
Weight Very heavy for its size Feels light
My extra tip: If you do knock on the watermelon, the sound should not be “tinny” (unripe) or completely “dull and soft” (overripe/rotten). It should sound like a full drum with a gentle echo in it.
Have you already bought the perfect watermelon and want to know how to cut it for a party in 30 seconds without getting anyone smeared with juice?