The weather here in Georgia is warming up and the pool opens in just a few weeks. I am looking forward to BBQs, pool parties, and (of course) some fresh watermelon. Georgia actually grows a lot of watermelon down in the south of the state. Even though the fruit is local, I still need to know how to choose a ripe watermelon or it won’t be as sweet and juicy as it should be. If you plan on picking up a whole watermelon this summer, make sure you follow these tips before you buy!
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How to Choose a Ripe Watermelon
I am a huge believer of buying locally sourced produce. I know, however, that it isn’t always possible. Any produce that is grown close to home will travel less and most likely taste better.
If you don’t happen to have a local source of watermelon, I say go ahead and buy it anyhow. It is a deliciously sweet treat with very few calories.I have a number of watermelon recipes that I enjoy but eating it right off the rind is my favorite way to eat it! For the ripest watermelon, try these easy tips:
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Pick It Up:
Big or small, a ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. That is because it will be particularly juicy! This is the same method I use for finding the perfect apples. A heavy fruit will yield lots of juicy flavor.
Look for the Yellow Spot:
Watermelons grow in the garden for quite some time before they are ripe. They develop a pale spot where they rest on the ground. When this spot is creamy yellow, it’s ripe.
Knock on it:
With your knuckles, knock on the watermelon. Yes, people may look at your a bit oddly but a lot of people know that this is how you choose a ripe watermelon! A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound when you knock on it. If the sound is dull and flat, choose a different one.
Make sure it is uniform in shape:
An odd shaped watermelon may have been exposed to a lot of fluctuations in water levels. Too much water or too little water definitely affects how a watermelon grows! Choose one with a classic oblong shape for the best flavor.
Watermelon is a great summer fruit when you can find a ripe one. You can grill it, infuse it into your water, cook with it, and even make some delicious smoothies out of it. Get creative and buy plenty when it starts coming into season in your area. Get a watermelon knife to make slicing easier.
Learning how to choose a ripe watermelon can be tricky. You may need to go through a bit of trial and error. If you have a farmer’s market in your area, try buying them from there. Farmers know their produce and can give you a few pointers. They also don’t usually bring unripe produce to the market to sell!
What are YOUR favorite watermelon recipes? Try some of these!
Watermelon Salad Recipe with Basil and Feta
Easy Watermelon Mojitos with Fresh Mint
Diane is a professional blogger and nationally certified pharmacy technician at Good Pill Pharmacy. She earned her BS in Microbiology at the University of New Hampshire and has worked in cancer research, academics, and biotechnology. Concern over the growing incidence of human disease and the birth of her children led her to begin living a more natural life. She quickly realized that the information she was learning along the way could be beneficial to many others and started blogging and freelance writing to share this knowledge with others. Learn more about her HERE.