To tell if a watermelon is ready to pick, look for these key signs:
- Field Spot Color : Check the underside (field spot) of the watermelon where it rested on the ground. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy, buttery yellow or orange-yellow spot. If the spot is white or greenish, the melon is likely not ripe yet
- Skin Appearance : The rind of a ripe watermelon loses its shiny sheen and becomes dull and matte. The stripes may become more pronounced and the surface may feel slightly rougher
- Weight : Pick up the watermelon and compare it to others of similar size. A ripe watermelon feels heavier due to its high water content (about 92%), indicating juiciness
- Sound Test (Thump Test) : Tap or thump the watermelon. A ripe melon produces a deep, hollow sound, while an unripe one sounds higher-pitched or metallic. This method requires some practice to distinguish sounds
- Stem and Tendril Condition : Look at the stem area (calyx) and the nearby tendrils on the vine. A ripe watermelon usually has a dry, brown, and shriveled stem, and the tendrils closest to the fruit turn brown and brittle. If the stem is green or the tendrils are still green, the melon may not be ripe
- Webbing or Sugar Spots : Brown, coarse lines or webbing on the rind can indicate sugar seeping out and suggest sweetness and ripeness
- Ridges : Well-extended, slightly raised ridges running along the watermelon can be a sign of ripeness
In summary, the best way to tell if a watermelon is ready to pick is to find one with a creamy yellow field spot, dull skin, heavy weight for its size, a deep hollow sound when tapped, and a dry, brown stem with brown tendrils nearby. Avoid watermelons with white or greenish undersides, shiny skin, or green stems and tendrils
