The ultimate guide to picking the perfect watermelon

Is a watermelon on your shopping list? If so, check what to look for when choosing the right fruit. That way, you'll go home with a perfectly sweet, ripe, and fresh treat.

With the beautiful weather, watermelon is increasingly appearing in our kitchens. And it's no wonder, as this fruit effectively hydrates us and provides instant refreshment. Its use in the kitchen is quite versatile, as we can prepare a fruit salad, a nutritious smoothie, or homemade sorbet. The possibilities are indeed vast.

Therefore, it's worth knowing what to pay attention to when choosing a watermelon. After all, everyone wants to return from the store with the best possible specimen. How to do it? I'll explain now.

Did you know that the fruit's size, colour, and the hardness of its 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, 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 and damage. It's also worth paying attention to the size of the chosen watermelon. It's best to go for medium-sized fruits. Those that are too small 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 variant may indicate that the watermelon was picked too early and is not fully ripe. It's better to choose specimens with brown, even dried-out stems. Only then can we be sure they will be perfect in every respect. 

Another critical factor is the characteristic spot on the watermelon. This is the so-called belly spot, which forms where the watermelon directly touches the ground. It should be well visible, and its colour, the stronger and more intense it is, the better. This indicates that the fruit is fully ripe and ready for consumption. Finally, there is the matter of sound. And I know it may sound strange at first, but trust me, this trick works. All you need to do in this case 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.