Check the field spot: The field spot is the part on the underside of the watermelon that has been touching the ground. Check its color—you want it to be a golden yellow. If it is that bright yellow color—your watermelon is ready to harvest!
How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe inside?
1. Do a thump test. A ripe watermelon should have a deep hollow sound when you thump the rind with your hand, similar to a knock on the door. An unripe melon will have a more high-pitched resonance, whereas an overripe melon will sound more like a thud.
What color are watermelons inside?
We are most familiar with the vivid reddish-pink flesh dotted with black seeds, but there are also white-, pink-, yellow- and orange-fleshed varieties, both with seeds and without. Watermelon can be divided into four categories: icebox, picnic, seedless, and yellow-orange fleshed.
How do you tell if a watermelon is sweet or ripe?
The darker yellow field spot usually means it was on the vine longer and is full of flavor. If the field spot is white that’s a sign that the melon is not quite ripe. Larger “webbing” or “sugar spots” means that the melon is seeping out sugar and is usually the sign of sweet melon.
Are ripe watermelons light or dark?
The ideal, perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green in colour and dull looking. If it’s shiny, it’s not ripe yet. Another important thing to look for the field spot. This will be a yellow splotch on the underside of a watermelon.
Will a watermelon ripen sitting on the counter?
Watermelons don’t continue to ripen after being harvested, unlike many other fruits. This means that it’s no good to just buy one melon and try to let it ripen on the counter.
What does an under ripe watermelon look like?
As The Spruce Eats notes, you don’t want to buy a watermelon that has any cuts or bruises, but you can also tell if it’s ripe by looking at it. If the watermelon has a yellow or light-colored spot on the bottom, it’s ripe. If it has stripes all over, leave it in the produce section.
Why is my watermelon not red inside?
It’s possible you may have inadvertently planted a preserving-type watermelon rather than the more familiar red, tender-fleshed watermelon. Preserving watermelons are known as citron watermelons, and are also called pie melon or stockmelon. These old-fashioned watermelons are used for pickling as well as in baking.
Can watermelon be yellow on the inside?
The flesh of watermelons turning yellow is a natural mutation. In fact, the originator of our commercial variety, which comes from Africa, is a yellow to white fleshed fruit. The fruit has a sweeter, honey-like flavor as compared to red fleshed melons, but many of the same nutritional benefits.
How can you tell if a watermelon is bad?
If the flesh of your watermelon is slimy, off-colored, foul-smelling, or growing something fuzzy, this means it has gone bad and should be thrown away (after being wrapped in layers of plastic bags to avoid stinking up the whole kitchen). These traits also apply to pre-cut and pre-packaged watermelon.
How long till watermelon is ripe?
It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit.
How do you quickly ripen a watermelon?
Wrap a picked, unripe watermelon in a paper bag. This could help it ripen some if you inadvertently obtained a melon that does look ripe. Store it at room temperature, not in refrigerator. Check every few days to see if the watermelon has ripened.
How do you pick out a good watermelon?
A ripe watermelon should have a thick rind that doesn’t give easily when pressured. The ones that do are generally overripe. Also, if you scratch it with your thumbnail, you shouldn’t be able to cut through it. A ripe watermelon should have a firm rind that doesn’t give to pressure and is not easily scratched.
What color watermelon is the healthiest?
Maintain eye health
For those of you who want to keep your eyesight healthy, getting the benefits of yellow watermelon is the best choice because of its high vitamin A and beta-carotene content.
How long can you keep an uncut watermelon?
That depends a lot on whether you’ve cut it up or not. A whole, uncut cantaloupe or honeydew melon should last for seven to 10 days in the refrigerator. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks.
How long can a watermelon sit uncut?
Once picked, uncut watermelon can be stored for about two weeks at room temperature, or refrigerated between 45 to 50°. Uncut watermelons have a shorter refrigerator life, so store at room temperature until ready to chill and eat.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Why is my watermelon pink instead of red?
The inside, if you’re looking at a cut watermelon section, should be bright pink or red with a thick, pale rind. An over-ripe melon will have paler pink flesh, more a shell pink than hot pink. The rind may be greener, and the outside will be more splotchy or discolored.
What can I do with unripe watermelon?
If your garden produces under-ripe watermelon, try your hand at a crisp and refreshing salad: Feta cheese, olives and mint or basil tossed with watermelon chunks. Melons are a challenge to grow around here.
Are some watermelons white inside?
All watermelons go through a white stage early in their development, but the red-fleshed cultivars produce increasing amounts of lycopene as they ripen. Those with the highest concentration of this nutritious pigment have the reddest flesh.
What kind of watermelon is white inside?
White Wonder watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are a rare watermelon variety belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.
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