What are the signs that a watermelon is fully ripe?

Question

Learn the key signs of a ripe watermelon. Discover the 'field spot' and 'thump' tests to help you pick a sweet and juicy one every single time.

Answer 1

A ripe watermelon has a dull, not shiny, rind, a yellow ground spot, a dry stem, and produces a deep, hollow sound when thumped.

Detailed Explanation:

Determining if a watermelon is ripe involves a combination of visual and auditory cues. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Ground Spot: Look for the 'ground spot,' the area where the watermelon rested on the ground. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or even orange-yellow ground spot. A white or pale green ground spot indicates that the watermelon needed more time to ripen.

2. The Rind: A ripe watermelon should have a dull rind. Avoid watermelons with shiny rinds, as they are likely underripe. The dullness indicates that the watermelon has stopped growing and is at its peak ripeness.

3. The Stem: Check the stem. A dry, brown stem indicates that the watermelon is ripe and has naturally detached from the vine. A green stem suggests that the watermelon was picked too early.

4. The Thump Test: Give the watermelon a thump. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. An unripe watermelon will sound higher pitched and more solid. This takes some practice to master, but it's a reliable indicator once you get the hang of it.

5. Webbing: Some watermelons may have webbing, brown, coarse lines on their surface. This webbing is caused by bees pollinating the flower and indicates a sweeter watermelon.

Pro Tip:

Don't rely solely on size. Larger watermelons aren't necessarily riper. Focus on the ground spot, rind appearance, stem condition, and the sound it makes when thumped for a more accurate assessment.