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.
Why is my watermelon hollow inside?
In reality, what’s happened to this watermelon is a natural condition called “hollow heart.” That’s right. This piece of fruit literally looked exactly like that when it was cut open. “Hollow heart” develops when there is poor pollination during the growth process that creates cracks inside of the watermelon.
Does the sound of a watermelon matter?
A ripe watermelon should sound hollow when you lightly whack it. We are definitely not suggesting that you drop the watermelon to see what sound it makes; simply thump on the watermelon’s underbelly lightly with your finger. If it sounds hollow inside, it’s most likely ripe.
Is a hollow heart watermelon safe to eat?
Hollow heart watermelon is totally fine to eat
According to Watermelon.org, internally cracked watermelons are safe to eat and may even taste sweeter than a regular watermelon since the melon’s sugars consolidate along the surface of the cracked flesh.
How can you tell if a watermelon is rotten?
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 can you tell a good watermelon?
Another way to find a ripe watermelon is to lightly knock the outside with your knuckles. A ripe melon will have a deeper sound, as opposed to an over-ripe one that will have a more hollow or flat sound. A duller, more hollow sound can mean the flesh is starting to go soft and spoil.
What is the best watermelon to eat?
You should pick a melon that has a strong, consistent stripe pattern. The green stripes should be a deep, dark green, while the pale stripes should be a creamy, light yellow. Additionally, you may want to choose a dull-looking watermelon. If the melon is very shiny, it is likely underripe.
What is the sweetest watermelon variety?
WSU found that the personal watermelon with the highest Brix value is the Pony Yellow, a lovely yellow-fleshed melon that scores a sugary 12.3 Brix. The icebox category tops out with another yellow-fleshed melon called Super Gold, which achieves a 12.8 Brix.
When should you not eat watermelon?
It is recommended to not consume watermelons at night right before going to bed. “I would not recommend consumption of watermelon or any fruit after 7 pm. Watermelon is slightly acidic and if consumed at night, it may delay the process of digestion when the body is inactive.
What does bad watermelon look like?
Inside appearance. Texture – The shriveled, gritty, dry, mushy, or slimy fruit flesh is the clear sign that you have a spoiled watermelon. Color – Deep pink or clear red indicates the fruit is healthy. Never eat it if the color is yellow, orange, or black to prevent food poisoning.
Is it safe to eat overripe watermelon?
Is Overripe Watermelon Safe to Eat? When a watermelon gets too ripe for its own good, the juicy crisp texture of the flesh can turn gritty and dry. If you cut it open, you might see the flesh actually pulling away from the seeds. If your watermelon is mealy, it’s still safe to eat.
Can watermelon make you sick?
If you eat an abundance of the fruit daily, however, you may experience problems from having too much lycopene or potassium. The consumption of more than 30 mg of lycopene daily could potentially cause nausea, diarrhea, indigestion and bloating, according to the American Cancer Society (opens in new tab).
What does a ripe watermelon sound like?
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. 2. Check the field spot.
Which watermelon is sweeter round or oval?
Which watermelon is sweeter round or oval? The round-shaped watermelon is sweeter than the oval-shaped one. This is because the concentration of sugar is higher in the red pulp of round watermelons.
Are darker or lighter watermelons better?
The bigger and darker the patch is, the better. Watermelons should be a darker green. Very light watermelons may not have ripened long enough on the vine. The watermen should have contrasting dark with lighter stripes.
What is the best month to buy watermelon?
The best time for grocery store watermelons is when they’re in season. From May to September, stores will be supplied with melons at their peak from Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Texas, and California; these melons travel shorter distances than their off-season stand-ins, so they’re fresher when they get to you.
What country has the best watermelon?
China
Watermelons Production
# | 118 Countries | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | #1 China | 60,861,241.00 |
2 | #2 Turkey | 3,870,515.00 |
3 | #3 India | 2,495,000.00 |
4 | #4 Brazil | 2,278,186.00 |
What state has the best watermelon?
Florida has historically been the top producer of watermelons and accounted for 19 percent of the 3.9 billion pounds of U.S. watermelon production in 2012.
How do you pick a good watermelon at the grocery store?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
What color is a good watermelon?
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.
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.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.