Many people do not know how to choose a watermelon. They just tapped on this fruit as if they understood what they were doing. While it's hard to tell how ripe a fruit is from the outside, there are some clever tricks you can learn to help you pick the perfect watermelon. Get started with Step 1 below to find out how.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Picking Watermelons
Step 1. Find a uniform shape
Look for watermelons that are strong, symmetrical, free of scratches, cuts or dents. If the watermelon has bumps, it means that it receives irregular amounts of sunlight and water as it grows, causing dryness or inconsistent shape.
Step 2. Lift
The watermelon should be heavy for its size, this indicates the watermelon is full of water and means it is nice and ripe. Try comparing the weight of watermelons of the same size – heavier means more ripe. These instructions apply to almost all fruits and vegetables.
Step 3. Look for ground spots or field spots
The bottom of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, known as a field spot. These are spots where the watermelon sits on the ground and ripens in the sun, so the darker the better. if the spots are white or even absent, this means the watermelon was picked too quickly, and will not ripen.
Step 4. Check the color
A perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green and dull, not shiny. Glossy watermelons are usually underripe.
Step 5. Try the tapping technique
The tapping technique can be quite difficult to master, but many watermelon lovers believe it. Tap the watermelon with your knuckles and listen to the sound it makes. Ripe watermelons should sound full, more like tenor than bass. If the sound is blurry or deep, it usually means the watermelon is not ripe.
Step 6. Knowing how to choose a watermelon that has been cut
If you are buying a watermelon that has been cut, there are a few things to look for. Choose cuts that are bright red in flesh with dark brown or black seeds. Avoid cuts with white stripes and lots of white seeds. You should also avoid meat that looks dry or pale, or separates from the seeds.
Part 2 of 3: Storing and Cutting Watermelon
Step 1. Store watermelon properly
Whole watermelons can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, before use. Handle the watermelon with care, don't let it scuff.
- Never store watermelon below 4 degrees Celsius, as too cold will damage the fruit.
- If you want your watermelon to ripen after you buy it, store it at room temperature for a few days. This will ripen the watermelon a little, but not completely – because mangoes picked too quickly will not ripen completely.
Step 2. Cut the watermelon
To cut a watermelon into bite-size pieces, first place the watermelon on a cutting board and cut off the top and bottom using a sharp knife. This will secure the watermelon standing to one side.
-
Cut the sides of the watermelon, separating the skin from the flesh. Then cut the watermelon into circles, then cut the circles into 2.5 cm squares.
Select a Watermelon Step 8Bullet1 -
If not eaten immediately place the cut watermelon in a closed container and store in the refrigerator. Watermelon will keep the same quality for 3 to 4 days.
Select a Watermelon Step 8Bullet2
Step 3. Remove the watermelon seeds
If you want to remove the watermelon seeds, cut the watermelon in half, then cut into quarters. Cut the meat along the grain line with a knife.
-
Now lift up the piece you just cut. Using a fork remove the seeds from the cut and from the remaining meat on the skin.
Select a Watermelon Step 9Bullet1 - Watermelon that has been seeded is perfect for diced for a snack, use in salsa, mix into drinks or anything you prefer that uses watermelon.
Part 3 of 3: Using Watermelon in Recipes
Step 1. Make a watermelon salad
Watermelon is the perfect addition to a fresh salad, making your lunch fresh and crunchy. This recipe features watermelon with cucumber, cashews and feta cheese!
Step 2. Make the watermelon lemonade
Can you imagine anything fresher than a glass of watermelon-flavored lemonade on a hot day? Use the sweetest watermelon you can find for the most delicious lemonade!
Step 3. Make watermelon donuts
Watermelon donuts are not real donuts, but watermelons cut into donuts. Sprinkle with sugar and almonds, making a delicious snack.
Step 4. Make the fried watermelon
This delicious but not very healthy snack is often served at bazaars and other events. Give a sprinkling of powdered sugar, it becomes a delicious snack!
Step 5. Make the watermelon-infused vodka
You can make a delicious summertime drink, by dipping watermelon chunks into vodka – served over ice with a dash of juice for the perfect pink party!
Tips
- Check the yellow spot on the bottom of the watermelon. The bigger and clearer the watermelon, the longer it has been in the ground, and is in the process of ripening. Ripe = Sweet
- Tap like a drum. His voice should be empty.
