You’ll also notice most watermelons develop a spot where they rest on the ground, and when it’s yellow (and you don’t see any stripes on the patch), the melon should be ripe and ready to slice. After all that, you can tap or thump the melon with your palm—a ripe watermelon should sound hollow and make a thunk sound.
How do you tell if a melon is ripe or not?
As with cantaloupe, color is your first sign of ripeness. The melon’s green rind will take on a creamy yellowish color. If the color is right, gently push on the end of the melon opposite from the stem. If there is a slight give, the melon is probably ripe.
What does tapping a melon do?
As watermelons ripen, their natural frequency drops, and so does damping. If a watermelon is overripe, the damping increases dramatically, resulting in a dull thud when you tap it. Generally, you want to pick a melon that gives a hollow, ringing sound when you tap it.
How can you tell when a watermelon is ripe to tap?
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.
Will melon ripen after cut?
Will a honeydew melon ripen once it’s cut? Nope. Unfortunately, melons don’t ripen after they’re harvested, so what you buy is what you get.
Why do people thump melons?
It’s an odd, but common sight, but does it have a purpose? Well, as it turns out, watermelon thumping is actually a good way to find the ripest one. After you thump the rind, if you hear a muffled, hollow noise, that melon is ripe and ready to eat. If, however, you hear more of a ping, that melon needs more time.
What does it mean when a watermelon sound hollow?
ripe watermelon
A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when knocked. An unripe watermelon will have more of a higher-pitched sound, while an overripe one will make a “thud” or a lower-pitched sound. Pick up the watermelon and give it a good sniff.
How do you thump a cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe, unlike watermelon, will continue to ripen after being picked. You can thump ‘lopes, too, but the sniff and press test is much more accurate. Gently press your fingers into the stem and blossom scars on each end of the fruit.
How should a good watermelon sound when you thump it?
A ripe watermelon should have a deep sound when you thump it with your hand or fist, somewhat resembling a tenor. If it has a hollow or flat sound, it’s likely overripe (6). Try tapping a watermelon with your hand or fist. A ripe one delivers a deep sound, whereas an overripe one sounds hollow or flat.
How can you tell a watermelon is sweet?
Look for the Sugar Spots and Pollination Points – If you see black spots on the melon, this is where sugar is seeping out and indicates a sweet melon.
Should watermelon be refrigerated?
Storage & Shelf Life of Whole & Cut Watermelon
Store watermelon between 50-59°F, however 55°F is the ideal temperature. If watermelon are received refrigerated do not break the cold chain and store them in refrigeration. Watermelon will keep for 7-10 days at room temperature.
How long does it take for a melon to ripen?
about 80-100 days
A few other tips to keep in mind about melons
Most melons require about 80-100 days from planting to harvest. If you are within that range, begin checking for the above signs that your melons are ripe. Find your sweet spot. Once melons are cut from the vine, they don’t continue to ripen or increase their sugar content.
How do you ripen a honeydew melon quickly?
She recommends that you ripen them faster in a perforated paper bag. When ripe, refrigerate. Cut melons should be wrapped in plastic to contain the odor. Do not remove the seeds until ready to eat because the seeds keep the flesh from drying out.
What can you do with unripe melon?
Uses for an Unripe Cantaloupe
- Turning it into a soup — with mangos, or a white gazpacho with grapes and almonds.
- Making a melon jam or chutney.
- Using it as a thick base for a smoothie, or blending it with lime juice and honey for cantaloupe agua fresca.
Can you ripen a melon in the microwave?
Exposing unripe fruit to ripe fruit increases the unripe fruit’s exposure to ethylene gas to speed up the process. Combining ethylene gas with the heat from a microwave helps kickstart the process.
How can you tell when a cantaloupe is ripe and sweet?
You should give the blossom end of the fruit (the same side you just pressure tested) a good sniff. A ripe cantaloupe will smell sweet, floral, and musky. If the scent is very faint or if there’s no smell at all, then the fruit is not ripe yet.
How do you sweeten an unripe cantaloupe?
How Do You Sweeten a Cantaloupe? If your cantaloupe is not harvested in the right season, chances are it won’t be sweet. So you can sprinkle sugar or sugar substitute onto the cantaloupe and toss it gently until it has been evenly distributed.
Why do Asians knock on watermelon?
As the BBC points out, watermelon knocking actually isn’t a behaviour specific to Chinese people, and the sign probably wasn’t directed specifically at the Chinese population. Knocking on a watermelon is a commonly used way to test if the fruit is fresh and ripe.
Is a dark green watermelon ripe?
The colour of the rind is extremely important. 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.
Why is my watermelon dark green?
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.
How do you sweeten watermelon?
A small sprinkle of salt doesn’t just offer a salty-sweet kick, it also brings out the sweetness in the watermelon, making this the perfect hack for when you dig into a lackluster slice. Trust me, I’ve had people FREAK over this simple trick; it’s a game-changer.
Gerardo Gonzalez loves cooking. He became interested in it at a young age, and has been honing his skills ever since. He enjoys experimenting with new recipes, and is always looking for ways to improve his technique.
Gerardo’s friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of his delicious cooking. They always enjoy trying out his latest creations, and often give him feedback on how he can make them even better. Gerardo takes their input to heart, and uses it to continue refining his culinary skills.