Nothing says summer like biting into a crisp, sweet slice of watermelon. But choosing the perfect melon—one with deep red flesh, maximum sweetness, and a thin, juicy rind—can feel tricky if you don’t know what to look for. With a few simple tips, you can select a watermelon that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
1. Check the Field Spot (Sugar Spot)
The field spot—the patch where the watermelon rested on the ground while ripening—offers the first clue.
- Look for a creamy yellow or golden spot. This indicates the melon ripened fully under the sun.
- Avoid white or greenish spots, which often signal the fruit was picked too early.
2. Examine the Rind
Ripe watermelons usually have a matte, slightly dull skin rather than a shiny surface.
- Shiny rinds may indicate the melon was harvested before peak ripeness.
- Look for webbing or brown sugar-like lines on the rind, which suggest natural sweetness seeping through.
Continue reading on next page…