How to Pick a Watermelon

Choosing the right watermelon at the store or market can feel like a guessing game. From tapping the rind to checking the color, there are plenty of tricks people swear by. By paying attention to weight, color and texture, you can greatly increase your chances of bringing home a perfectly sweet melon. 

Here’s how to choose a watermelon that’s ripe and ready to enjoy: 

Look for the field spot 

One of the most reliable signs of a ripe watermelon is the field spot. This is the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. 

What to look for: 

• A creamy yellow or deep yellow spot 

• A clearly visible patch on the rind 

Avoid melons with a white or pale field spot, as this often means the watermelon was picked before it was fully ripe. 

Choose a heavy watermelon 

A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. 

When you pick it up, the melon should feel dense and full of water. This usually means it’s juicy and well-developed. If two watermelons are the same size, choose the heavier one. 

Check the shape 

Look for a watermelon that has a uniform, symmetrical shape. Even shapes often indicate that the melon received consistent sunlight and water while growing. Avoid melons that are: 

• Lopsided 

• Irregularly shaped 

• Bulging on one side 

Examine the rind 

The outer rind can reveal a lot about ripeness. A shiny rind can sometimes indicate the watermelon was picked too early. A good watermelon usually has: 

• A dull or matte finish rather than a shiny surface 

• Firm skin without soft spots 

• Minimal bruising or cuts 

Tap the watermelon 

You may have seen people knocking on watermelons in the grocery store. While it may look strange, tapping can tell you something about the fruit. A ripe watermelon often produces a deep, hollow sound. If the sound is dull or flat, the melon may be underripe or overripe. 

Look for webbing or sugar spots 

Sometimes watermelons have brown web-like markings on the rind. These are sometimes called sugar spots. These marks can indicate strong pollination and higher sweetness. While not every sweet watermelon has them, they can be a good sign. 

Consider the size 

Bigger isn’t always better. Medium-sized watermelons are often more consistently sweet than extremely large ones. If possible, look for a melon that feels solid and well-balanced in size and weight. 

Store your watermelon properly 

Once you bring your watermelon home, keep it refrigerated to extend freshness. 

After cutting, store watermelon pieces in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within a few days. 

Focusing on prevention like healthy eating and exercise can lead to lower health care costs and more affordable insurance for all. Learn about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s (BCBSM) commitment to affordability here. 

Shanthi Appelo is a registered dietitian and health and wellness spokesperson at BCBSM. For more health and wellness information, visit ahealthiermichigan.org.