Choosing a good watermelon might seem like a matter of luck, especially when you’re faced with several that, at first glance, look practically identical. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you identify which ones are at the right stage of ripeness. So, we’re going to explain how to tell if a watermelon is ripe.
To find out how to tell if a watermelon is ripe, you need to look at its appearance, its weight, the part that has been resting on the ground, and even the sound it makes when tapped gently. No single trick is foolproof on its own, but looking for several signs at once can help you make a better choice.
How to tell if a watermelon is ripe before cutting it open
Before cutting a watermelon, we can gather quite a lot of information simply by looking at it and holding it in our hands. The key is not to focus solely on its size or on the one that looks the nicest.
Look at the stem end of the watermelon
One of the first areas you might notice is what is known as the ‘ground mark’ or ‘soil mark’. This is the part of the watermelon that was in contact with the ground whilst it was growing.
In a ripe watermelon, this area is usually cream-coloured or yellowish. A very pale, white or barely visible patch may indicate that the fruit was picked before it had reached the right degree of ripeness.
Mind you, the colour can vary depending on the variety, so it’s best to use this clue alongside the other tips.
Take a look at the appearance of the skin
The skin can also give you some clues as to the condition of the fruit. Generally speaking, a ripe watermelon has a firm, tough rind.
There’s no need to look for the shiniest watermelon on the shelf. In fact, some varieties take on a slightly more matt appearance as they ripen.
It is also important to check that the surface does not have any deep dents, cracks, soft spots or significant damage. Minor surface marks caused by growth or transport do not necessarily affect the interior.
Check its weight and shape
When you have several watermelons of a similar size, try picking them up. A watermelon in good condition should feel heavy for its size because of its high water content.
That’s why comparing two similar items can be a very simple trick: the one that’s noticeably heavier may well be a good choice.
The shape should also be relatively uniform, although bear in mind that there are both round and elongated varieties. The important thing is not that they are all the same shape, but to avoid those with very pronounced deformities or damaged areas.
The trick of tapping a watermelon to check if it’s ripe
You’ve no doubt seen someone tapping a watermelon lightly at the greengrocer’s at some point. Although it may seem like a tradition without much basis, the sound can give you a clue.
Hold the watermelon and tap it gently with your knuckles. A ripe one usually produces a relatively deep, resonant sound. If the sound is very muffled, it may be more difficult to determine its condition using this method alone.
However, distinguishing between sounds takes a bit of practice. So use this tip as a helpful guide rather than as the sole basis for your decision.
How to tell if a watermelon is ripe from the outside
If you want to learn how to tell if a watermelon is ripe, start by giving it a thorough once-over.
Look for a firm, heavy piece with no significant cracks. The rind should be intact and should not give way easily when pressed gently.
Pay particular attention to soft, damp or excessively dark areas, as these may indicate damage or deterioration. You should also avoid pieces with deep cuts that may have compromised the interior.
A watermelon doesn’t need to look absolutely perfect to taste good. Minor cosmetic imperfections are normal in fruit that has grown in the field.
How to tell if a watermelon is sweet
This is probably the most difficult question. We can spot some signs of ripeness from the outside, but it is not always possible to know for certain how sweet a watermelon is before cutting it open.
The variety, growing conditions and time of harvest all influence the final result.
What does the colour of a watermelon indicate?
The appearance can give us an indication of how ripe it is, but it does not tell us exactly how sweet it is.
Depending on the variety, the rind may be darker, lighter, smooth or feature different patterns. For this reason, it is not advisable to apply a single rule regarding colour to all watermelons.
Once cut open, the flesh should display the characteristic colour of its variety and look fresh and juicy. In red-fleshed varieties, we usually look for a vibrant, even colour.
Signs and indicators that may suggest greater sweetness
There are many popular beliefs about the small spots, lines or marks on the rind and their connection to a sweeter watermelon.
However, we should not take these signs as a guarantee of sweetness. Many marks are simply a natural result of the fruit’s growth and contact with the ground.
To make the best choice, it is most helpful to take into account factors such as weight, firmness, the support area and the general condition of the item.
How to tell if a watermelon is ripe once it has been cut open
Once it has been cut, it is much easier to assess its condition.
The flesh of a ripe watermelon should look fresh, firm and juicy. When cut, it should retain a certain firmness and release juice without being excessively soft in texture.
The smell can also be a guide. A ripe watermelon has a fresh, slightly sweet smell, although it is not usually too strong.
Of course, the taste is ultimately the deciding factor. A watermelon harvested at just the right stage of ripeness will have the sweetness and texture characteristic of its variety.
Signs that a watermelon is overripe or past its best
We may also come across the opposite extreme: a watermelon that has passed its prime.
A texture that is excessively soft, mealy or watery may indicate that the fruit is overripe. We should also look out for unusual odours, significant changes in colour or areas that are clearly spoiled.
If the watermelon shows signs of mould, fermentation, an unpleasant smell or obvious signs of decay, it is advisable not to eat it.
It is one thing for the fruit to have lost some of its firmness, but it is quite another for it to show clear signs of spoilage.
Common mistakes when choosing a watermelon
One of the most common mistakes is to rely solely on a single trick. Hitting it, looking for a particular spot or always choosing the largest one does not, on its own, guarantee that we will get it right.
Another mistake is to think that a watermelon has to look perfect on the outside. Some superficial marks may appear whilst it is growing, and these do not necessarily mean that the fruit is spoiled.
We also tend to associate size with quality. A larger watermelon isn’t necessarily sweeter than a smaller one. It’s better to look at its overall condition and compare the weight of watermelons of similar size.
And, above all, it is important to bear in mind the variety. Not all watermelons have exactly the same colour, shape or appearance.
Tips for storing watermelon at home
Once you’ve managed to choose a good watermelon, storing it properly is essential to ensure you can enjoy it at its best.
If it is whole, keep it in a cool place away from sources of heat. Once you’ve opened it, the situation changes: store the pieces in the fridge, either in a sealed container or properly covered.
As well as helping to keep it fresh, keeping it covered prevents it from absorbing odours from other foods.
If you want to enjoy it nice and chilled, you can slice it in advance and chill it before serving. Try to slice only the amount you’re going to eat, so that the rest of the piece stays fresh for longer.
Enjoy a ripe watermelon at its very best
So, how can you tell if a watermelon is ripe? There’s no single, foolproof trick. The best strategy is to look at several characteristics at the same time.
Check that the watermelon is firm and in good condition, look at the spot where it rests on the ground, compare its weight with that of other similar watermelons and, if you like, try the well-known trick of tapping it gently a few times.
Once opened, the colour, texture, aroma and, finally, the flavour will confirm whether you’ve made the right choice.
Learning how to tell if a watermelon is ripe takes a bit of practice, but if you look out for these signs, it will be much easier to choose one that’s just right and enjoy its full flavour and freshness.