How to pick a watermelon at the grocery store that's perfectly sweet and juicy
The best part about summer, aside from the warmer weather and holiday weekends, has to be that watermelon is in season. Its sweet flavor combined with its major health benefits make this fruit a summertime staple. Head to your local grocery store and you're bound to find cardboard crates filled with the pink and green melons. But just how do you pick a watermelon that's perfectly ripe, sweet and juicy? Here are a few easy tricks.
Step 1: Look at it's color
First, pick a watermelon that's flesh is dark green and dull, not shiny. A shiny watermelon, while pretty, won't be ripe yet.
Step 2: Pick it up
Next, you'll want to pick up a watermelon and hold it in both of your hands. No matter the size, is it heavy? That indicates that there's a lot of juice, so the heavier the better. If you have to, try comparing the melon to others to gauge just how heavy it is.
Step 3: Look for a spot
Next, look for the fruit's yellow spot. This spot indicates where the melon was resting on the ground while it was growing. You want the spot to be fairly large and a golden yellow color, as this tells you it's ripe and ready for eating. If it's bright yellow, pale yellow or small and almost non-existent, choose a different one.
Step 3: Give it a knock
Finally, give the watermelon a little tap. If it sounds hollow, this is another indicator that it's ripe and you should buy it immediately because there's good watermelon to be eaten! If it sounds dull or just heavy, this could indicate that it's under-ripe or over-ripe.
Step 4: Check to see how firm it is
Place your finger on the end opposite of the stem and give it a (gentle) push. The skin should be firm to the touch, yet give in a little. If it gives too easily, it's overripe (and in the words of Ariana Grande, "thank you, next!").
Use these tips the next time you're at the grocery trying to figure out how to pick a watermelon, or if all else fails, head to your local farmer's market where the experts can help you choose from the best of their crop.
