How to pick the perfect watermelon: Expert tips and tricks

Is a watermelon on your shopping list? If so, be sure to know what to look for when choosing the perfect fruit. You will go home with a perfectly sweet, ripe, and fresh treat.

With the beautiful weather, watermelons are increasingly appearing in our kitchens. And it's no wonder, as this fruit not only effectively hydrates us but also provides instant refreshment. Its use in the kitchen is also very versatile; you can prepare a fruit salad, a nutritious smoothie, or homemade sorbet. The possibilities are indeed vast.

Therefore, it's worth knowing what to consider when choosing a watermelon. After all, everyone wants to return from the store with the best possible specimen. How to do it? Let's find out.

Did you know that the size, color, and hardness of the fruit's skin can tell us a lot about its condition? So, before you put a watermelon in your shopping cart, examine it carefully. Only then can you ensure the chosen specimen meets all your requirements. 

First of all, remember that a fresh, juicy, and delicious watermelon should have beautiful, intense, dark green skin. Speaking of the skin, an ideal watermelon will have tough skin without visible dents or damage. It's also worth paying attention to the size of the chosen watermelon. It's best to go for medium-sized fruits. Smaller ones may not be fully ripe. 

These are not the only valuable tips. The stem of the watermelon can also tell us a lot about its condition. Contrary to appearances, we should not choose fruits with a green stem tip. This may indicate that the watermelon was picked too early and is not fully ripe. It's better to select specimens with brown, even dried-out stems. This way, we can be sure that they will be perfect in every respect. 

Another important tip is checking the characteristic spot on the watermelon. This is the so-called belly spot, which forms where the watermelon has direct contact with the ground. It should be well visible; the stronger and more intense its color is, the better. This indicates that the fruit is fully ripe and ready for consumption. Finally, there's the matter of sound. It may sound strange at first, but trust me, this trick really works. All you need to do is take the watermelon in your hand and lightly tap it. If you hear a hollow, resonant sound, that’s a good sign. The watermelon is ripe and will surely taste great.