How to Pick the Best Watermelon

In Greece, the start of summer is marked, among other things, by the moment you taste the season’s first watermelon. But it’s probably been nearly a year since the last time you bought one. Do you remember how to pick the perfect watermelon? Or what that one piece of advice was? Do you really know, or do we think we do?

What’s certain is that the watermelons that arrive at the grocer’s stall are usually quite ripe, because growers know exactly when to harvest them. Your grocer also knows the quality of their produce, so if in doubt, just ask.

Picking the right watermelon is an art and like all arts, it takes practice. That’s why don’t expect to master it on your first try. With a little persistence, you’ll soon be choosing great watermelons every time. The secret? A firm slap and a hug!

How to pick the best watermelon every time

Weigh it in your hands!

No matter the size, a ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. Avoid fruit that’s either too large or too small. Pick a medium-sized one.

Check the watermelon’s belly spot

This is the spot where the watermelon rested on the ground before it was picked. In ripe fruit, this patch will be a creamy yellow or even a deep yellow-orange. In under-ripe fruit, it tends to be pale or white.

Give it a slap

Turn it over and give it a firm slap where the yellow spot is. Why? A ripe watermelon will be full of juice and it will sound deep and hollow. If it’s under-ripe or overripe, the sound will be dull and flat.

Look for brown marks like these

These brown marks on the skin show where bees touched the flower during pollination. The more the bees do this, the sweeter the watermelon will be.

Learn how to tell apart the “male” from the “female” watermelons

“Males” are larger and more elongated, and usually juicier. “Females” are rounder and sweeter.

Check the stem

If the stem is dry, the watermelon was fully ripe when harvested. If the stem is green, the fruit was likely picked too early from the field.

Watermelon, though most often enjoyed as a refreshing fruit in the summer, it is surprisingly versatile in the kitchen. Use it in sweet or savory recipes like Cycladic-style watermelon pie or a fresh watermelon salad.