On hot summer days, few treats refresh like a juicy, sweet watermelon. To ensure you get the ripest one, follow these time-tested tips from seasoned produce experts.
A creamy yellow—or sometimes orange—spot marks where the watermelon rested on the ground. Ripe melons feature a large, vibrant spot, signaling peak flavor and juiciness.
Read also: 'This is how you cut a watermelon in 3 (safe!) steps'
Curly lines called "webs" show pollination activity. More webs mean a sweeter watermelon inside.
Round watermelons tend to be sweeter, while elongated or oval shapes offer a refreshing, watery taste.
Select a medium-sized melon that feels heavy—this indicates it's brimming with juice. Skip the largest or smallest.
A dry, brown stem confirms ripeness. Green stems suggest it was picked too early, leading to bland flavor.
For visual guides on these signs, check the Imgur article.
