Field Spot: Look for a creamy yellow patch—this is where it sat on the ground. The darker the spot, the longer it ripened on the vine = sweeter fruit.
Webbing: Brown web-like lines? Good sign. They show where sugar leaked as bees pollinated the flower. More pollination = sweeter melon.
Uniform Shape: Avoid odd bumps or irregular shapes. A symmetrical, round (not oval) melon usually signals even ripening and better taste.
Weight Check: Pick up a few and compare. The heaviest one (for its size) is likely full of water—sweet and juicy.
Knocking Sound: Tap it. A ripe watermelon sounds deep and hollow. Underripe or overripe ones sound dull or flat.
Tail Test: If the melon still has a tail, a dried brown one is better than green—it means it fully ripened.
Firmness: Press gently—there should be no soft spots. Softness can mean spoilage or overripeness.
Size Matters: Medium-sized melons tend to be sweeter than the extra large ones. Bigger isn’t always better.