Fruit seller shares tips: how to choose the perfect watermelon

Watermelon season is in full swing and fruit sellers are sharing practical advice on how to choose the best watermelon. To identify the right watermelon, attention should be paid to both appearance and sound. A yellow patch on the rind and the right tapping sound are just a few clues that help select the perfect watermelon.

Summer watermelon season brings with it the eternal question: how to choose the tastiest and juiciest watermelon? Fruit sellers have compiled a foolproof guide based on years of experience that helps every shopper find their perfect watermelon.

The first and most important tip is to tap the watermelon. A ripe watermelon should produce a deep, resonant sound — not a dull or sharp tone. This means the fruit is juicy inside and properly ripened. If the sound seems hollow, the watermelon is likely overripe or dry.

The second important sign is a yellow or cream-coloured patch on the watermelon's rind. This so-called ground spot forms where the watermelon lay on the ground in the field and ripened in the sun. The deeper and more yellow this patch, the longer the watermelon has ripened on the vine and the sweeter the taste you can expect. A light green or white patch, on the other hand, suggests the watermelon was picked too early.

Additionally, you should squeeze the watermelon — a properly ripe watermelon is neither too soft nor hard as a rock. It's also worth checking the stem end: a dried and brownish stem is a sign that the watermelon is fully ripe and was harvested at the right time. Green and moist stems indicate harvesting that was too early.

Fruit sellers recommend also considering weight when selecting a watermelon — a heavier watermelon contains more water and is therefore juicier. A smaller but heavy watermelon may even prove to be a better choice than a large but light fruit.