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How to Pick a Watermelon

How to Pick a Watermelon

When it’s time to pick out a watermelon there are some important tips on how to pick a good watermelon every time.  Follow these simple tips and you’ll pick a perfect watermelon.

How to Pick a Watermelon

How to Pick a Good Watermelon

Tips on how to Choose and Store Watermelon

With the onset of summer we start to think about summer fruits, like watermelon. This is always a favorite treat in the summer because of how refreshing and light it is. But, nothing is worse though than biting into a watermelon that has gone bad or just wasn’t ripe enough to begin with. So you want to make sure you choose the right watermelon from the get go, and then also make sure you store it correctly.

Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your watermelon this summer.

I recommend this watermelon slicer for less than $5!

Choosing the Right Watermelon

First things first – you want to start out with the best watermelon. You need to decide if you want seeded watermelon or seedless watermelon. There’s no difference in appearance between seeded watermelon and seedless watermelon. About the only difference is convenience, although some say the seedless watermelon has a sweeter taste than the seeded watermelon. Obviously seedless would be less messy, but for a good family seed fight you’ll want to get the seeds.

The easiest method for picking out the perfect watermelon is to give it a little tap on the side. If it sounds solid it’s not ripe; if it sounds thick it isn’t quite ripe; if it sounds hollow then it’s ripe and just right. Pretty simple, right?

Also take notice of its appearance. A bright, green-colored skin that’s free of cuts and is firm and symmetrical is what you want to look for. You don’t want one that is narrow on one end or misshapen, because this means it grew in bits and spurts. It should also feel heavier than it looks. Since watermelon is 90% water (which is what makes it so refreshing), you want plenty of water in your watermelon. More water means it’s nice and ripe, giving it a much sweeter taste.

Now that you have picked the perfect watermelon for your summer event, you want to make sure you store it correctly so it lasts longer….but before we get to that make sure you also check out How to Pick a Honeydew Melon and How to Pick a Cantaloupe so you can make one AMAZING fruit salad!

Now for my tips on how to store a watermelon so it stays fresh longer…

How to Store Watermelon

store a watermelon

The best place to store a watermelon is in a dark, cool place like a basement. However, if that’s not a possibility, then the next best place is in the refrigerator. This keeps it from rotting. Not only does it keep it fresh, but the coolness will also make it a much more refreshing for that summer treat.

Once you have cut into your watermelon, you want to make sure you tightly wrap it in plastic to store in the refrigerator. If it’s cubed or balled, just place it in a tightly sealed plastic container. If you sliced it, just place some plastic wrap over the exposed edge. This way it won’t attract the other flavors and scents from the refrigerator and change its taste. It should last about a week in the refrigerator.

There you have it – the facts on how to choose and store a watermelon for this summer. Now you should have no problem getting the most out of your watermelon.  Don’t forget to get a good watermelon slicer…these are great!

You May Also Like:

Health Benefits of Watermelon

How to Pick a Cantaloupe

Interesting Facts About Watermelon

Benefits of Cantaloupe

How to pick a cantaloupe
How to Pick a Honeydew Melon

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Tina

Saturday 28th of May 2016

If your watermelon is sliced, cubed, or melon-balled, I place a steamer basket in the bowl and then the watermelon. This prevents it from sitting in its juices and spoiling.

Someone also told me to look for a large yellow patch which usually means it's been sitting in the sun ripening longer than the solid green ones.

Thanks for your post!

Melissa Llado

Saturday 28th of May 2016

That's a great idea...thanks for sharing! I never thought about using a steamer basket.

Cynthia Mueller

Thursday 26th of May 2016

A couple years ago I was in a store thumping, checking out watermelon when a farmer came up to me & told me that what I was doing was nonsense. All I had to do was find the darkest, most green watermelon I could find, take it home & it would be the juiciest one of the bunch. I've used that rule ever since. He was right. Never have I had an unripe, unsweet, not juicy watermelon! ???? I can spot it from my car, it's that quick! Lol

Melissa Llado

Friday 27th of May 2016

Wow...I've never heard that one before but it's definitely good to know. I'll have to give it a try...thanks for sharing!! :)

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