How To Pick the Best Watermelon

Picking the best watermelon can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for, but once you’ve got the right tips, it becomes a fun and rewarding process. Here’s what I’ve learned through some trial and error:

How To Pick the Best Watermelon

1.   Check the Field Spot  

The field spot is one of the most important indicators of a good watermelon. This is the creamy, discolored patch on one side of the watermelon where it sat on the ground while ripening. A ripe watermelon will have a yellow or even creamy-orange field spot. If it’s white or non-existent, it likely didn’t have enough time to ripen.

I remember once picking a beautiful watermelon with a very pale spot, thinking it didn’t matter turned out to be flavorless. The darker the yellow, the better.

2.   Look for Webbing  

Those brown, scabby-looking web lines you sometimes see on a watermelon? That’s actually a good thing! Webbing indicates that bees touched the flower many times during pollination, which means the fruit is likely to be sweeter. More webbing equals more flavor.

3.   Tap It  

The tapping method is a classic. When you thump the watermelon with your knuckles, you want to listen for a deep, hollow sound. This indicates that the watermelon is full of water and has a nice, juicy texture. A dull sound usually means the flesh is overripe and possibly mushy inside.

I’ve definitely picked a few that sounded too dense and paid the price with a less-than-juicy watermelon. Don’t underestimate the importance of that hollow sound!

4.   Look for a Uniform Shape  

Watermelons come in all shapes round, oval, or a bit more lumpy. What you’re looking for is a symmetrical shape, as that indicates it grew evenly. Irregular bumps can mean inconsistent growth, leading to spots inside that may be underripe or overripe.

Odd-shaped ones sometimes look cool, but I’ve found that they often lead to a disappointing bite.

5.   Heft It  

Watermelons are mostly water (surprise!), so the heavier it is for its size, the better. A good rule of thumb is that if you pick it up and it feels heavier than it looks, that’s a great sign. Heavier watermelons tend to be juicier.

One time, I picked a light one just because I was in a rush it ended up dry and bland. Since then, I always make sure to grab one that feels heavy.

6.   Check the Color  

The rind of a ripe watermelon should have a nice matte appearance. If it’s shiny, it’s probably underripe. A dull sheen on the skin suggests that it’s been sitting in the field long enough to fully ripen. You want it to be vibrant but not too glossy.

It’s easy to get drawn to a shiny one, but trust me the matte ones are where the flavor’s at.

7.   Avoid Watermelon Bruises or Soft Spots  

Always give the watermelon a quick once-over to check for any bruises, dents, or soft spots. These can indicate internal damage or overripeness. While some cosmetic scarring is fine (and might even indicate sweetness, like with webbing), avoid anything that looks like it’s been dropped or banged around too much.

I’ve made the mistake of thinking a small dent wouldn’t matter it did. The flesh was mushy in that spot, and no one wants to eat mushy watermelon.

8.   The Stem Should Be Dry  

If the watermelon still has a bit of stem attached, check if it’s dry. A dry, brown stem is a sign that the fruit fully ripened before being picked. If the stem is green, it means it was picked too early and likely won’t have as much flavor.

9.   Bonus Tip: Use the Calendar  

Watermelon season is typically during the summer months. While you can find watermelons year-round in many places, they are usually at their peak from May to September. So, if you’re picking during the height of watermelon season, your chances of getting a great one are even better!

Final Thoughts

Picking the best watermelon is kind of like a fun little treasure hunt. Follow these tips and you’ll be biting into sweet, juicy, and delicious watermelons every time. Remember to check that field spot, give it a thump, and don’t be afraid of a little webbing. If it feels heavy for its size, you’re likely holding onto a winner.

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