Pick the Sweetest Watermelon Using this Trick

There’s no season quite like watermelon season. With its refreshing juiciness and vibrant sweetness it is a summer staple that delights our taste buds and helps us beat the heat. But how can you ensure you select the ripest, sweetest watermelon at the store?

Throughout our scrolling journey we’ve seen tips, tricks, and false ways to select the sweetest watermelon. We’re here to provide the top 4 ways to make sure you select the sweetest, ripest and juiciest watermelon of them all!

Selecting a Sweet Watermelon:

1. Look for a yellow spot: On the underside of a ripe watermelon, there should be a creamy yellow spot. This spot is where the fruit rested on the ground while it ripened. A deeper and more pronounced yellow spot indicates a sweeter watermelon.
2. Check the field spot: The field spot is the area where the watermelon was in contact with the ground. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or orange field spot, while an underripe one will be white or pale green.
3. Give it a tap: Gently tap the watermelon and listen for a deep, resonating sound. A ripe watermelon will produce a dull, hollow sound, while an underripe or overripe one will sound more solid or dull.
4. Examine the skin: Look for a watermelon with a smooth, firm skin free from bruises, cuts, or soft spots. The skin should have a vibrant color, depending on the variety, such as dark green or striped.

Cutting a Watermelon:

1. Wash the watermelon: Rinse the watermelon under cool water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
2. Slice off the ends: Use a sharp knife to cut off a small portion from both ends of the watermelon, creating stable flat surfaces.
3. Cut into rounds: Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends. Starting from the top, use a downward motion to slice the watermelon into rounds of your desired thickness.
4. Remove the rind: Lay the watermelon round flat on the cutting board and carefully slide the knife between the rind and the flesh, following the curved shape. Repeat this step for all the rounds.
5. Cube or wedge: For cubes, cut the watermelon flesh into strips and then slice across to create bite-sized cubes. For wedges, cut the rounds into triangular wedges, leaving the rind intact as a handle.

A Refreshing Summer Recipe: Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad Ingredients:

• 4 cups of cubed watermelon
• 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup of fresh mint leaves, torn
• 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cubed watermelon, crumbled feta cheese, and torn mint leaves.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the watermelon mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve the watermelon, feta, and mint salad as a refreshing side dish or a light summer appetizer.