Few things scream summer more than a big, juicy slice of watermelon. But let’s be honest—picking one that’s perfectly ripe can sometimes feel like solving a mystery. Is it too early? Too soft? Will it be sweet or bland? The good news is that once you know what to look for, selecting a great watermelon becomes simple. Let’s break it all down so your next melon pick is a sweet success.

Why It’s Worth Learning How to Pick the Right Watermelon

Watermelon isn’t just tasty—it’s healthy too. Packed with vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and natural hydration, it’s a guilt-free treat everyone can enjoy. But nothing’s worse than cracking open a melon only to find dry, flavourless flesh inside. Taking a few extra moments to choose the right one helps cut down on waste, saves money, and ensures you get that mouth-watering flavour every time.

Expert Tips to Find the Perfect Watermelon

1. Check the Field Spot

What is a field spot? It’s the lighter, discoloured patch on one side of the watermelon, where it rested on the ground while ripening.

• A creamy yellow or deep orange spot means the melon spent ample time maturing on the vine.
• A white or light green spot usually means it was picked too early and may be less sweet.

2. Inspect the Shape and Size

You want a melon that’s uniform and symmetrical. Round or oval is fine—just avoid those with dents, bumps, or flat sides. These can be signs of irregular growth, which may affect what’s inside.

3. Pick It Up and Feel the Weight

Here’s a fun question to ask: Which watermelon is the sweetest without cutting it open? Easy—grab two melons of similar size and feel which one is heavier.

A heavier melon means it’s full of water and likely to be juicier and more flavorful. If it feels too light, you might be holding onto a dry or unripe one.

4. Tap It Like a Pro

Yep, you’ve probably seen people tapping watermelons at the store, and for good reason!

• A deep, hollow sound is a great sign of ripeness.
• A dull or flat sound could mean it’s either underripe or overly soft inside.

Think of it like checking for an echo—you’re listening for that nice bass tone that says, “I’m full of juice!”

5. Examine the Skin

Shiny may be great for cars, but not for watermelons. Look for a melon that has:

• Dull skin – that’s usually a sign it’s fully ripe.
• Even dark green colour – avoid ones with splotches, cracks, or bruises.

If it’s glossy or slick-looking, it may have been harvested too soon.

6. Look for Sugar Spots and Webbing

Ever notice brown web-like lines or dark patches on the rind?

• These are called sugar spots, and they indicate where sugar has seeped out—usually a sign the melon is packed with sweetness.
• A little webbing is great, but too much may mean the fruit was damaged or overripe.

7. Check the Stem (If It’s There)

See a tail or stem attached? That can give clues too!

• A dry, curly stem suggests the watermelon ripened fully before being picked.
• A green, fresh-looking stem could mean it was harvested too early.

8. Be Mindful About Size and Variety

Bigger isn’t always better. Medium-sized watermelons often strike the best balance of flavour and texture.

Seeded or seedless? Honestly, both can be delicious if ripe. The difference lies in your preference—those who don’t want seeds to spit out might prefer the seedless option, but the steps to picking a good one are still the same.

How to Store and Serve Your Watermelon

Once you’ve brought your perfect melon home, here’s what to do:

• Before cutting: Store the whole fruit at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
• After cutting: Wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to five days.

Pro tip: For a refreshing twist, chill the watermelon for a couple of hours before slicing—or toss it on the grill for a smoky-sweet treat that’s a total crowd-pleaser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do watermelons ripen after being picked?

Nope. Unlike bananas or peaches, watermelons don’t continue ripening once they’re off the vine. That’s why choosing a ripe one at the store is so important!

How can you tell if a watermelon has gone bad?

Watch out for these signs:

• Mould on the outside
• Soft or mushy spots
• An off, sour smell when you cut into it
• Flesh that looks dry, grainy, or brownish

If something feels off, it’s better to toss it than take the risk.

Are seedless watermelons less sweet?

Not really. Sweetness depends more on ripeness and variety than seed content. A well-picked seedless melon can be just as satisfying as its seeded cousin.

New Varieties and Fresh Trends

You might notice watermelons with yellow or orange flesh popping up—these fun hybrids follow the same ripeness rules as traditional red varieties. Just apply the tips above, and you’re good to go.

Quick tip for store-bought cuts: Look for vibrant, firm flesh with no white streaks or dried-out edges.

Wrapping It All Up

Mastering the art of picking a watermelon is easier than most people think. Remember to check for:

• A bold field spot
• Heaviness for its size
• A dull skin and deep green colour
• A hollow sound when tapped

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be the go-to fruit picker at every summer barbecue and grocery run. So next time you’re eyeing a stack of watermelons, you’ll know exactly which one to grab.