How To Determine If A Watermelon Is Good

You can determine if a watermelon is good by checking a few simple signals like its weight, sound, and field spot.
 
A good watermelon feels heavy for its size because that weight usually means it’s full of juice.
 
It also gives off a deep, hollow sound when you thump it with your knuckles.
 
And the best watermelons have a creamy yellow field spot where they rested on the ground while ripening.
 
If you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle wondering how to determine if a watermelon is good, you’re not alone.
 
Picking a sweet, ripe watermelon is a skill, and once you learn what to look for, it becomes second nature.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to determine if a watermelon is good using simple tricks anyone can try.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Determine if a Watermelon Is Good

Determining if a watermelon is good comes down to using your senses before you ever cut it open.
 
You can determine if a watermelon is good by looking at it, lifting it, and listening to it.
 
Here are the main signs that help you determine if a watermelon is good.
 

1. Check the Weight

A good watermelon should feel heavy for its size, which is one of the easiest ways to determine if a watermelon is good.
 
When you pick it up, it should feel like it’s loaded with water because a ripe watermelon is about 92 percent water.
 
If it feels light or airy, that’s a sign it may be underripe or dried out inside.
 
So whenever you’re trying to determine if a watermelon is good, trust your hands first.
 

2. Look for the Field Spot

The field spot is the creamy yellow patch on the underside of the watermelon where it sat on the ground.
 
A rich, golden-yellow field spot is a strong clue that helps you determine if a watermelon is good.
 
If the spot is white or pale green, the watermelon was likely picked too early.
 
So when you want to determine if a watermelon is good, flip it over and check that spot.
 

3. Thump It and Listen

Thumping a watermelon is the classic trick, and it works when you know what to listen for.
 
A deep, hollow sound means the fruit is ripe and ready, which helps you determine if a watermelon is good.
 
A dull thud usually means it’s underripe, while a flat or rattling sound can mean it’s overripe.
 
So give it a good knock, and let your ears help you determine if a watermelon is good.
 

4. Check the Shape and Skin

A good watermelon has a uniform shape, whether it’s round or oval, without odd bumps or soft spots.
 
The skin should be smooth and slightly dull, not shiny, since a shiny rind often means it was picked too soon.
 
You can also determine if a watermelon is good by pressing gently on the rind to check for firmness.
 
If it gives way too easily, it’s likely past its prime.
 

5. Look for Webbing and Dark Spots

Brown webbing on the skin is actually a good sign because it comes from bees pollinating the flowers.
 
More webbing usually means more pollination, which often leads to a sweeter fruit.
 
This is another handy way to determine if a watermelon is good before you buy it.
 
Just avoid any watermelon with soft, dark, or mushy patches.
 

Signs a Watermelon Is Not Good

Knowing what to avoid is just as useful as knowing what to look for.
 
If a watermelon feels light, has a white field spot, or sounds dull when thumped, it’s probably not good.
 
A shiny rind, soft spots, or a cracked surface are also red flags.
 
And if it smells sour or fermented, walk away because that’s a spoiled watermelon.
 

How to Tell if a Cut Watermelon Is Good

Once a watermelon is cut, you can determine if it’s good by checking the flesh.
 
A good cut watermelon has bright, firm flesh with a deep color, whether red, pink, or yellow.
 
The seeds should be dark and fully formed rather than white and immature.
 
If the flesh looks grainy, mushy, or dry, it’s past its best.
 
You can also smell it, since a fresh cut watermelon smells sweet and clean, not sour.
 
And storing cut watermelon in the fridge keeps it good for about three to five days.
 

So, How Do You Determine if a Watermelon Is Good?

You can determine if a watermelon is good by checking its weight, sound, field spot, and rind.
 
A heavy watermelon with a hollow thump, a golden field spot, and smooth skin is usually a winner.
 
Avoid light, shiny, or dull-sounding watermelons, and you’ll rarely go wrong.
 
Now that you know how to determine if a watermelon is good, you can pick a sweet one every time.