How to choose the best watermelon? Unbeatable tips to avoid mistakes
Watermelon – with apologies to melon – is undoubtedly the queen of summer fruits. In fact, there's almost nothing better than enjoying a cold slice of watermelon on the hottest days of summer. And even more so when it's ripe and sweet.
In addition to the pleasure it brings, watermelon has many health benefits. “It's low in calories, keeps you hydrated and provides many other nutrients that can help you stay healthy,” explains dietitian Lara Whitson at Cleveland Clinic.
Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant to protect your cells
Among the various nutrients contained in this fruit, lycopene, responsible for the dark red color of watermelon flesh, is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect cells from damage.
Tips for choosing the right watermelon
However, it's not always easy to choose a good watermelon. The best way to tell if a watermelon is ripe is to taste it or check the red color of the flesh, but this is usually only possible after you've bought it. But don't worry, there are a number of tricks that can help you get the right watermelon every time.
A symmetrical shape for a quality watermelon
When choosing a watermelon, as Healthline magazine explains, the first thing to look for is a uniform shape. In other words, choose those with a symmetrical shape and avoid bumps, hollows and irregular cuts. The latter can be a sign that the watermelon has received irregular amounts of water, has not been pollinated properly or contains insects.
Weight, a reliable indicator
Secondly, lift the watermelon and check that it is heavy for its size. This indicates that it is full of water and therefore ripe. If you're not sure, you can take another watermelon of the same size and check which one is heavier.
The yellow spot, a sign of ripeness
Once you've checked the weight, turn the watermelon over and check for the presence of a yellow spot, also known as a “field spot”. A yellow spot indicates that the fruit has spent more time ripening and should be sweeter. Conversely, a white spot indicates that the fruit was harvested too early and has not reached full ripeness.
The tapping technique
A fourth trick lies in the famous tapping technique, the quintessential watermelon lover's trick. Indeed, such is its popularity that it has given rise to a number of scientific studies to determine its validity. Although it's a difficult technique to master, a ripe watermelon generally has a deep, tenor-like sound. On the other hand, if it sounds hollow or flat, it's probably overripe.
The stalk, an additional indicator
A final technique for determining the ripeness of a watermelon is to examine its stalk. A green stalk usually indicates that the watermelon has been harvested too early, while a dry stalk usually indicates that the watermelon is already ripe.
While not always foolproof, these tips will help you choose the perfect watermelon next time you're at the supermarket.
