How do you choose a good watermelon?

Question

Do you thump it? Smell it? ???

Answer 1

Funny, we got a not so sweet watermelon two weeks ago that prompted me to do some internet searching and I found the following information (can't remember the link though). The last two watermelons have been excellent using this concept:

Testing 1, 2, 3
If you are trying to determine the ripeness of a whole watermelon, forget about thumping it. Instead look for a yellow belly. According to Horticulture Educators at the University of Illinois Extension, a sweet juicy watermelon is one that has sat in the sun until it is ripe. While the sitting is going on, the underbelly is the only part that is not exposed to the sun - thus the yellowish color. A fully ripe watermelon will have a butterscotch colored belly. A white or green belly means the watermelon is not ripe. Watermelons, unlike cantaloupes, do not improve in flavor or get any sweeter after harvest.

After selecting the best watermelon available, get it home as soon as possible. Wash under clear running water, wipe dry and refrigerate. A fresh watermelon will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Watermelons are low in calories, high in Vitamins A and C, potassium, iron and fiber. In the southern states it is referred to as the "food of the angels." Enjoy plenty of watermelon this summer. July is peak seasons.

Answer 2

How do I tell if a watermelon is ripe?

To tell if a watermelon is ripe or not, one must look at a variety of things.

1. The first thing to look at is the stripes. The stripes should be clear and well defined. The smaller cobweb like stripes within the major stripes should be gone. If you see these smaller stripes within the big long stripes the melon isn't fully mature.

2. Look at the bottom or the belly of the melon . It should be yellow and well defined.

3. Look at the stem. It should be green, healthy and partially dry. You don't want a melon that has a wet stem. This indicates disease and the beginning of decay. Plus the stem should be partially sunken into the melon, indicating full maturity was obtained on the vine.

4. The ridges on the melon running with the stripes should be subtle and not very big. If the melon has big ridges on it, it is definitely overripe and hollow.

5. Probably the most important thing to do when choosing a melon is to pat it. The sound generated by patting tells all. The sound should be very solid and have a good vibrating feel back into the hand. It should not have a tight sound like it wants to pop open. This could indicate excessive water or immaturity, either of which results in a bad melon with poor flavor. The sound should not be that of a thud or a dead sound. This indicates overripe, heavy bruising or hollow heart, and that means poor flesh quality and loss of flavor.

6. So, you now have the fundamentals of how to choose a good watermelon.

My last bit of advice to you is this. You can look for all these signs in a watermelon and hope your right. Or you can look for the Kid's Choice label and choose a perfect watermelon every time.

Answer 3

You can adopt the following procedure to select good watermalons -

While most people rely on the "thump" method when selecting a watermelon, the National Watermelon Promotion Board suggests there is a more reliable way to choose watermelons. Select a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts and dents. Turn the melon over. If the underside is yellow, and the rind has an overall healthy sheen, the watermelon is probably ripe. Select melons that are heavy for their size. Watermelons are 92% water, which obviously accounts for most of their weight. A good rule of thumb is to buy the melon size that will satisfy your needs, so you don't waste any.

Melons will ripen after they are picked but their sugar content won't increase. To ripen, store melons at room temperature. It shouldn't take more than a few days, four at the most. Don't refrigerate melons unless they become too ripe or have been cut. Whole watermelons can be stored at room temperature for two weeks, longer if the room temperature is between 50°F and 60°F, however, after two weeks the quality will begin to deteriorate. Cut watermelons should be loosely covered in plastic wrap before refrigerating. Watermelon is the only melon that tastes better the colder they are.

Answer 4

1. The first thing to look at is the stripes. The stripes should be clear and well defined. The smaller cobweb like stripes within the major stripes should be gone. If you see these smaller stripes within the big long stripes the melon isn't fully mature.

2. Look at the bottom or the belly of the melon . It should be yellow and well defined.

3. Look at the stem. It should be green, healthy and partially dry. You don't want a melon that has a wet stem. This indicates disease and the beginning of decay. Plus the stem should be partially sunken into the melon, indicating full maturity was obtained on the vine.

4. The ridges on the melon running with the stripes should be subtle and not very big. If the melon has big ridges on it, it is definitely overripe and hollow.

5. Probably the most important thing to do when choosing a melon is to pat it. The sound generated by patting tells all. The sound should be very solid and have a good vibrating feel back into the hand. It should not have a tight sound like it wants to pop open. This could indicate excessive water or immaturity, either of which results in a bad melon with poor flavor. The sound should not be that of a thud or a dead sound. This indicates overripe, heavy bruising or hollow heart, and that means poor flesh quality and loss of flavor

Answer 5

Some people thump it to see what it sounds like. I prefer to feel it for soft spots, check the color and see if there are any defects to it. By defects I mean bug holes, dents or cracks in it. You can ask your grocery to pick one for you but most of the time they are just going to reach in the bin, grab one at random and tell you "this is a good one".

Answer 6

you want a watermelon that's skin feels gentle and has tight skin, to the point the position you sense quite chilly radiating from the interior. once you knock on it, try to be in a position to sense a leap again on your knuckles and the better the sound, its extra compact for this reason extra sparkling

Answer 7

My sister is great at picking out watermelon. She uses this theory. The heaviest and the hollowest. Hollowest when gentle tapping on them with open hand. Like your smacking it. Good luck!

Answer 8

You knock on it or thump it and listen for a hollow sound.

Answer 9

Thump it and see if it have a good loud sound...

Answer 10

Personally I think they all taste about the same...just pick one that's not rotten.