Unlock the secret to choosing the perfect watermelon
Even though watermelons can be purchased year-round, they taste best during warm and hot days. Here's how to select a juicy, aromatic fruit with flesh that's not as soft as a sponge. It's not difficult at all.
Although we call watermelon a fruit, botanically, it is a vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. In our stores, we most frequently find watermelons imported from Mediterranean countries. Generally, we opt to purchase whole fruits because they can be stored longer. In this case, it's essential to choose a watermelon that meets all our expectations: sweet, juicy, and firm.
Why is it worth eating watermelons? It's not just about hydration
We value watermelons for their taste, but they also have significant health benefits. Primarily, they hydrate the body well due to their high water content. They contain vitamins A and C, which support the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to antioxidants, watermelons help combat free radicals, which can delay the aging process. An important component is citrulline, an amino acid that helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Another advantage is their low-calorie content.
Watermelons: Not just for snacks
Besides being a great snack, watermelons are also perfect for salads. You can make fruit salads with them, and it's becoming increasingly popular to combine them with cheese and olives, serving them in a savory way. They're also ideal for smoothies. For all these dishes, you need juicy and sweet watermelons. Here's what to look out for in the store.
The size and weight of the watermelon are important. Medium-sized but heavy fruits are generally the best choice. Extremely large ones can be watery, while very small ones might be unripe. A heavy watermelon indicates it's full of juicy flesh.
Pay attention to the skin. It should be shiny and undamaged. Yellowish spots on the skin are a good sign, indicating that the fruit ripened in the sun. The larger and more intense the spot, the sweeter the watermelon. Avoid fruits with white spots, which may indicate immaturity.
Tap the watermelon. This popular method assesses its ripeness. A ripe watermelon makes a deep, resonant sound. If no sound is heard, the fruit is likely not very tasty.
Note the stem. A dried stem indicates natural ripening, while a green stem may mean the watermelon was picked too early.
The color of the flesh. When buying a piece of watermelon, you can assess its intensity. The redder it is, the sweeter it is likely to be.
..
