“Shiny and perfect? That might be the worst watermelon on the shelf” 🍉 Don’t let looks fool you — the juiciest, sweetest melons often come with weird spots, rough patches, and a deep hollow sound. Want to know what else to look for? Tips in the article below 👇
When watermelon season hits its peak, there’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly sweet, juicy slice. But with so many on display, how can you tell which one is worth taking home? These four hints will help you spot the tastiest one every time.
Don’t Judge by Looks Alone
The best-tasting watermelons often don’t look picture-perfect. In fact, skip the flawless ones with shiny, smooth skin. Instead, look for ones with rough patches, brown web-like lines, or odd marks. These “imperfections” usually mean the fruit was well-pollinated—something bees help with—which is a good sign of sweetness.
Check for the Yellow Spot
Every watermelon rests on the ground while growing, and that spot should tell you a lot. If the patch is pale green or white, the fruit was likely picked too early. But a deep yellow spot means the melon ripened in the sun and should be full of flavor.
Pick a ‘Female’ Melon
Strange but true—watermelons can be roughly split into “male” and “female” types. Female ones tend to be rounder and have a wider, more noticeable circle where the stem was attached. These often have a sweeter taste than their longer, more oval-shaped “male” counterparts.
Listen for a Hollow Sound
Tap the watermelon with your knuckle or open palm. If it makes a deep, hollow sound, that’s what you want—it means the inside is likely juicy and fully ripe. A dull thud, on the other hand, could point to under-ripeness or even spoilage.
Remembering these four tricks can help you find a watermelon that hits all the right notes—sweet, juicy, and deliciously refreshing.
