Learn the best tips and tricks to determine if a watermelon is ripe, sweet, and perfect for eating. Discover visual signs, sound tests, and other simple methods to choose the best watermelon.
Knowing when a watermelon is ripe (or "wert" if you meant ripe) can be tricky, but there are several reliable methods you can use to choose a sweet and juicy watermelon:
Look for the creamy yellow spot on the watermelon’s rind, where it rested on the ground. This spot is called the field spot. A ripe watermelon usually has a rich, creamy yellow or orange field spot. If the spot is white or greenish, the watermelon is probably underripe.
The rind should look dull, not shiny. A shiny rind typically means the watermelon isn’t ripe yet. The texture should be firm and slightly rough, not soft or too smooth.
Tap the watermelon with your hand and listen to the sound it makes. A ripe watermelon typically produces a deep, hollow sound, indicating the inside is full of water and juicy flesh. A dull or flat sound may mean it is underripe or overripe.
A ripe watermelon is usually symmetrical and uniform in shape. Odd bumps or dents might indicate problems. Also, pick up the watermelon and compare its weight to others of the same size. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size, which means it contains more water and will be juicier.
If you can see the tendril (a curly, vine-like part near the watermelon stem), a dried brown tendril indicates ripeness. If it’s green, the watermelon might not be ripe yet.
By using these simple signs together, you can confidently pick a ripe, juicy watermelon every time!