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Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
How do you pick a ripe sweet watermelon?
If the watermelon is ripe, the field spot should be a large, yellow patch on one side of the melon. If it is ripe, the color should be a creamy, almost butter-like yellow. The bigger the yellow belly and the creamier the color means the more time the melon spent ripening on the vine.
How do you know if a watermelon is ripe?
Color Check They’re looking for the “ground spot” to have a cream-like, off-white color. If it’s still white, that means it’s “fresh,” or not ripe, and if it’s yellow, it’s over-ripe. If it’s a striped watermelon variety, both the dark and light green stripes will get lighter as the melon ripens.
Do watermelons continue to ripen after being picked?
Some, like watermelon, do not continue to ripen once harvested. Therefore, flavor will not improve nor will they become sweeter—t is what it is at harvest. However, cantaloupe and similar fruit will continue to ripen after harvest.
What is the sweetest watermelon?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you’ll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
How can you tell a good watermelon knocking?
A ripe watermelon should have a deep sound when you thump it with your hand or fist, somewhat resembling a tenor. If it has a hollow or flat sound, it’s likely overripe (6). Try tapping a watermelon with your hand or fist. A ripe one delivers a deep sound, whereas an overripe one sounds hollow or flat.
How do you pick a watermelon at the grocery store?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
How can you tell a watermelon is sweet?
Look for an orange creamy field spot. The darker yellow field spot usually means it was on the vine longer and is full of flavor. If the field spot is white that’s a sign that the melon is not quite ripe. Larger “webbing” or “sugar spots” means that the melon is seeping out sugar and is usually the sign of sweet melon.
Why is my watermelon white inside?
If your watermelon flesh looks solid white instead of white-streaked, you can rule out white heart and consider whether you have planted the wrong watermelon seeds. This disorder can be caused by over-watering or over-feeding your watermelon patch, especially during the ripening process.
How do I make my watermelon sweeter?
Use a knife to slice a lemon or lime in half and squeeze about 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of juice over sliced or cubed watermelon. Some people find that a boost of acidity makes the melon taste sweeter. Try adding salt and pepper to round out the flavor. Or, if you like spicy foods, add some cayenne or hot sauce!.
How long does a watermelon take to ripen?
It’s typically a range like 80 to 120 days. If you’re growing watermelon from seedlings your bought, just note when flowers open. It typically takes about five calendar weeks for a watermelon to go from flower to ripe fruit.
What can you do with an unripe watermelon?
If your garden produces under-ripe watermelon, try your hand at a crisp and refreshing salad: Feta cheese, olives and mint or basil tossed with watermelon chunks.
What is a black diamond watermelon?
Black Diamond is a classic oblong watermelon with a black-green rind covering bright red, crisp, flavorful flesh. In the 1950s, Black Diamond was a very popular home garden variety. Fruits have gray-black seeds (perfect for seed spitting contests) and can grow quite large.
Are round or oblong watermelons sweeter?
An oval (elongated) shaped watermelon will be more watery while a round shaped watermelon will be sweeter. Webbing is the brown, course web looking materiel. This is caused when bees pollinate the flower and scar the membranes that later forms the fruit. The more pollination the sweeter the watermelon.
What state has the best tasting watermelon?
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Summer means relaxing by the pool, barbeques and refreshing slices of watermelon and no one produces more of this favorite summertime fruit than Florida. The Sunshine State is the top producer of watermelon in the United States.
What does a dark green watermelon mean?
The ideal, perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green in colour and dull looking. If it’s shiny, it’s not ripe yet. Another important thing to look for the field spot.
Where is the best watermelon in the world?
China 118 Countries #1 China Metric Tons 63,955,831.45 Last 2019 YoY +1.5 % 5‑years CAGR +0.7 %.
How do you pick a melon?
Tips for Picking a Ripe Melon Pay Attention to Size and Weight. Whether it’s large or small, a ripe melon will feel heavy for its size. Check for Defects on the Rind. Turn the melon in your hands and carefully inspect the surface area. Look at the Color. “Knock” on the surface. Give it a Sniff.
