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. Look for dark & dull melons which is a sign that the melon is ripe. When the melon is shiny it is underripe.
How do you check if it’s a good watermelon?
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 does the best watermelon look like?
If there’s a white field spot, or no field spot at all, it likely won’t be good. Pick a Dull Looking Watermelon – A shiny appearance indicates an underripe melon. Knock on It with Your Knuckles – Your knuckles should bounce off the melon, and the surface should be pretty hard/firm.
What color should watermelon be when it is ripe?
“Ripe watermelons normally develop a yellow color on the ‘ground spot’ when ripe,” Upham said.
How do you tell if a watermelon is good by smacking it?
When you knock on a watermelon, what you’re listening for is a hollow sound. This means the flesh is ripe and that juices are moving around inside the watermelon. If the watermelon produces a flat “smack” when you thump on it, the flesh and juices inside are not at their sweetest and most fluid. Pick another melon.
How do you know when 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.
What do the stripes on a watermelon mean?
If the watermelon is ripe, the ‘belly spot’ will be white or yellow. If you can see the stripes through the belly spot, it may not be ripe.” A smooth rind usually indicates a good fruit. “You might try to avoid melons that are over-lumpy,” Egel said.
Why is my watermelon crunchy?
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.
Why is my watermelon white inside?
Cross-Pollination
If you buy seed from an unreliable nursery, or are new to saving your own seeds, you may mistakenly grow the offspring of a red-fleshed watermelon that has cross-pollinated with a citron melon — the watermelon with the hard, white flesh that cannot be eaten fresh.
How does a ripe watermelon sound?
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.
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 difference between red and yellow watermelon?
So what’s the difference between red and yellow and why should you give yellow watermelon a try? Red watermelons contain a chemical called lycopene that produces the red colour in fruits and vegetables like tomatoes. The lack of lycopene in yellow watermelon results in their yellow flesh.
Should a watermelon sound hollow or full?
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.
What does a bad watermelon look like inside?
If everything looks good, put your nose close to the rind and check for a sweet, fresh scent. If it smells tangy or sour, toss it out. Then, slice open your melon and look for deep pink or red flesh inside. If yours is any other color, or if the flesh looks gritty or shriveled, throw the watermelon away!
Can you get sick from eating bad watermelon?
Consuming spoiled watermelon can quickly lead to food poisoning. The first signs that something is wrong will appear within a few hours and include: Fatigue and headache. Nausea and vomiting.
How long is watermelon good in the fridge?
If you’re worried about your watermelon spoiling, you can pop the whole thing in the fridge; FreshDirect says that you can keep a whole watermelon in the fridge for up to three weeks, at best.
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.
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.
Which type of watermelon is the sweetest?
Sweetest by size
And the monsters that weigh 10-15 pounds are called picnic varieties. 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.
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.
Can I ripen a watermelon once it has been cut?
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.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.