Look for a Uniform Shape A perfectly round or oval-shaped watermelon is often a sign of uniform ripening. Irregular shapes may indicate poor growth conditions or uneven ripening.
Check the Field Spot The field spot (the area where the watermelon rested on the ground) should be yellow. A white or green spot suggests the watermelon was harvested too early and may not be as sweet.
Pick It Up Watermelons should feel heavy for their size, which indicates a high water content. A watermelon that feels lighter than expected may be overripe or lacking in juiciness.
Tap and Listen Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound. This suggests it’s full of water and properly ripened.
Check the Skin The skin should be firm and not have any soft spots or wrinkles. Wrinkles may indicate overripeness or dehydration.
Examine the Sugar Marks Sometimes, small sugar marks or cracks on the surface of the watermelon indicate a sweet, sugary fruit. This is especially true for varieties like seedless or personal-sized watermelons.
Avoid Cracks or Damage Cracks, cuts, or punctures on the surface are a sign of damaged fruit. This can lead to uneven ripening and potentially spoilage.
Smell the End A slight sweet fragrance near the stem end is another good indicator of ripeness. If it smells bland or doesn’t have a strong aroma, it might not be fully ripe.