If markings on watermelons indicate sweetness, and if those markings are caused in some way by bees (whether by pollination, or bizarrely, bee stings) then the growers and the organizations and bodies that advise them, will know about it and will be talking about it somewhere.
Why do watermelons have scratches?
A lot of these scars can be from bugs trying to scratch the service because the watermelon is nice and sweet. Trust the bugs! You want the sweet watermelon they are trying to get to. This picture isn’t a perfect example, but all of the watermelons at Costco were pretty scratched up the day I went in.
What causes scarring on watermelons?
The scarring on the outside of the rind occurs from numerous bee stings, signifying the fruit is ripe. The more scarring indicates an increased number of bees that were attracted to it. So remember that scarring is a good thing. You do not, however, want fruit that is bruised, dented or unintentionally cut.
What are the brown scratches on a watermelon?
Watermelon rind necrosis is characterized by the presence of a corky, red to brown layer of dead tissue that occurs on the inside of the rind of affected fruit but that does not extend into the fruit flesh. Early stages of rind necrosis can be noticed as small discolored water soaked areas in the rind.
What are the marks on a watermelon?
2 Find the field spot.
This marking shows where the watermelon sat on the ground as it ripened. As a rule of thumb, the color should be a creamy yellow or near orange, which indicates a melon full of flavor. If it’s white or light yellow, you may want to choose another one.
Do bees scratch watermelon?
The short answer is: There is no evidence that bees sting watermelons and cause a mark on the outer flesh that signifies sweetness. However, it may be that pollination by bees affects the sweetness of watermelons.
What’s the webbing on a watermelon?
Webbing is the brown, course web looking materiel. This is caused when bees pollinate the flower and scar the membranes that later forms the fruit. The more pollination the sweeter the watermelon. Also, Look for black hard globs seeping out.
Is it safe to eat watermelon with rind necrosis?
Strictly cosmetic Rind necrosis doesn’t affect fruit quality. “It’s strictly a cosmetic problem,” Egel says. Necrotic spots visible inside the rind of cut fruit don’t affect taste, Brix or shelf life, Paret says.
How do you protect watermelon from pests?
Fencing and netting won’t keep bugs away from your watermelon crop. Spray repellents are the most effective and common way of protecting ripe fruit from insects. A few sprays of a vegetable-safe repellent can keep away aphids, ladybugs, and various other watermelon-eating insects.
What pest eats watermelon?
If you’ve ever tried to grow watermelons (Citrullus lanatus), you’ve probably noticed insects, such as aphids, leafminers and caterpillars, like to eat parts of the plant almost as much as you enjoy eating the fruit. Repelling these pests is the key to growing a crop of watermelons good enough to eat.
How do you add calcium to watermelon plants?
A recommended preventive measure is a solution of 2 tablespoons of calcium chloride in 1 gallon of water sprayed on the foliage and fruit of watermelons at least twice during the growing season at one-week intervals beginning when the flowers start blooming.
What are bee stings on watermelon?
That is from bees that pollinating the melon while in it’s flowering stage. My mom always called the spots “bee stings”. They aren’t actually bee stings, but they are because of bees, and the more of that webbing and pollination spotting; the sweeter the melon.
Can you eat watermelon with brown spots?
If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it. If it looks fine but has a sour or ~off~ smell, that’s another indication that this watermelon is no good.
How do you tell 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.
How can you tell if a watermelon is too ripe?
Watermelon Texture Test
An over-ripe watermelon won’t resist your fingers, while a ripe one will be stronger and stand up to the pressure of the pinch. The fruit of an over-ripe watermelon will also be more mushy and much coarser, instead of smooth. If there’s a slippery film over the fruit, it’s over-ripe.
What is the sweetest watermelon?
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.
Which watermelon is best?
25 of the Best Watermelon Varieties
- Picnic. Allsweet. Charleston Gray. Crimson Sweet.
- Icebox. Blacktail Mountain. Bush Sugar Baby. Sweet Beauty.
- Personal. Golden Midget. Little Darling.
- Giant. Black Diamond Yellow Belly. Carolina Cross #183.
- Seedless. Big Tasty. Mini Piccolo.
- Orange, Yellow, or White Flesh. Orange Crisp. Orangeglo.
What is webbing or sugar spots on watermelon?
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.
Is a heavier watermelon better?
Also, the best melon of the bunch will most likely be heavier than the rest. On average, a watermelon is 92% water, which makes them so juicy. A heavier melon likely holds more water, which will make it juicier.
Does salt on watermelon make it sweeter?
Salty To Sweet
By sprinkling a little salt on your melon you are creating a high-salt concentration area next to those cells. Their water is drawn up to the surface where you bite, bringing flavor with it. The melon has become miraculously sweeter thanks to salt!
What causes watermelon rind necrosis?
Experts believe that watermelon rind necrosis symptoms are caused by bacteria. They think that the bacteria is naturally present in the watermelon. For reasons they do not understand, the bacteria causes symptom development. Plant pathologists have identified different bacteria from necrotic areas in the rind.
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.