During the hot summer days, when you feel drowsy and lethargic, biting into a sweet and juicy watermelon can instantly refresh your spirits. However, if you end up with a dry and unripe watermelon that lacks sweetness, it can be quite disappointing. So, how can you ensure that you bring home a delicious and succulent watermelon that everyone will love?
Saturday, August 3rd, marks National Watermelon Day in the United States. Lee Wroten, Vice President of Global Produce Sales in Lakeland, Florida, provided some tips on selecting the perfect watermelon through “Better Homes and Gardens”. These insights will help you choose a sweet and juicy watermelon that will delight your taste buds.
“Better Homes and Gardens” is the fourth-largest circulated magazine in the United States.
Experts have summarized four key rules for selecting a good watermelon, known as the 4S method.
As time passes, watermelons often lose their natural shine and color. Wroten advises, “Look for watermelons that are shiny and brightly colored.”
“If the skin appears dull or lacks color, it indicates that the watermelon is overripe and may not be as juicy as desired,” he explains. “While some scratches are acceptable, avoid selecting watermelons with bruises, dents, or punctured rinds.”
When choosing a ripe watermelon, pay attention to whether one side of the watermelon has a small creamy yellow spot, which is the portion that touched the ground during growth. As the watermelon matures, this spot turns yellow, indicating ripeness and juiciness. If the spot is white, it means the watermelon was harvested prematurely from the vine. Additionally, the top of the watermelon should display vibrant green color with distinct stripes.
The “tap test” is a well-known method for many to select a watermelon. A hollow, drum-like sound when tapping the watermelon indicates it is likely a juicy and ripe fruit. A dull or flat sound, however, may suggest bruising, overripeness, or lack of juiciness.
If the watermelon feels heavier than expected when lifted and meets the other aforementioned criteria, it’s a good choice. If it feels lighter, it may indicate a less juicy watermelon.
Furthermore, you can perform a vein test. More veins typically mean better pollination, resulting in a sweeter watermelon.
Once harvested, watermelons do not ripen further. Therefore, when selecting a watermelon at the store, ensure you choose a ripe one. After bringing the watermelon home, refrigerate the whole fruit for four days to keep it fresh.
Additionally, as reported by “The Mirror”, due to the tough outer rind of watermelons, it is essential to clean them thoroughly before slicing. Failing to wash the watermelon skin before making the first cut can transfer bacteria from the outer rind to the juicy flesh inside. Simply rinse the watermelon quickly with vinegar under clean tap water before slicing.
Watermelon, a quintessential summer fruit, is renowned for its sweet and refreshing taste as well as its hydrating properties. While National Watermelon Day is not an officially recognized holiday, it has gradually gained popularity among the masses.
Celebrations on Watermelon Day are diverse, including watermelon eating contests, seed-spitting competitions, creating watermelon art sculptures, or savoring watermelon slices during picnics and backyard barbecues. It is also an excellent opportunity for agricultural institutions and health advocates to promote the nutritional benefits of watermelon, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.