How To Pick A Good Black Watermelon

To pick a good black watermelon, you need to look for a few key signs that tell you it’s ripe and ready.
 
A good black watermelon will have a dull, dark rind that looks almost black or very dark green.
 
If you’re wondering how to pick a good black watermelon, the first thing to do is pick it up and feel its weight.
 
It should feel heavy for its size, which means it’s full of juice and perfectly ripe.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to pick a good black watermelon so you never bring home a dud again.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Pick a Good Black Watermelon

Picking a good black watermelon comes down to using your senses and knowing what to look for.
 
Here are the main things to check.
 

1. Look for the Field Spot

The field spot is the creamy yellow or orange patch on the bottom of the watermelon where it rested on the ground.
 
If you want to pick a good black watermelon, a rich yellow field spot is a strong sign it ripened on the vine.
 
A white or pale spot means it was picked too early.
 
The darker and more orange that spot, the sweeter your black watermelon will be.
 

2. Check the Webbing and Texture

Black watermelons often have a bit of brown webbing on the surface.
 
That webbing is actually a good thing when you’re trying to pick a good black watermelon because it shows the melon was visited by bees often.
 
More pollination usually means more sweetness.
 
Also, run your hand over the rind.
 
A good black watermelon should feel smooth but slightly firm, not soft or mushy.
 

3. Give It a Thump

The classic thump test still works when you want to pick a good black watermelon.
 
Knock on the side with your knuckles and listen closely.
 
A deep, hollow sound means it’s ripe and full of water.
 
A dull thud means it’s either underripe or overripe.
 
So if you’re serious about how to pick a good black watermelon, never skip the thump.
 

4. Feel the Weight

A good black watermelon should feel heavy for its size.
 
That weight tells you it’s packed with juice and ready to eat.
 
If it feels light, it’s probably dry inside and past its prime.
 
When you pick a good black watermelon, always compare two of similar size and go with the heavier one.
 

5. Look for a Uniform Shape

A good black watermelon should be symmetrical and oval or round, without flat sides or bumps.
 
Odd shapes can mean uneven watering or poor growing conditions.
 
So when you pick a good black watermelon, choose one that looks balanced and even.
 

Common Mistakes When Picking a Black Watermelon

Even if you know how to pick a good black watermelon, a few mistakes can trip you up.
 
Here’s what to avoid.
 

1. Ignoring the Field Spot

If you skip checking the field spot, you might end up with a bland black watermelon.
 
That yellow patch is one of the best clues for ripeness.
 

2. Choosing a Shiny Rind

A shiny rind usually means the black watermelon is underripe.
 
You want a dull finish when you pick a good black watermelon.
 

3. Relying Only on Size

Bigger isn’t always better when you pick a good black watermelon.
 
A smaller, heavy melon can be sweeter than a giant, light one.
 

4. Skipping the Thump

The thump test is quick and free, so there’s no reason to skip it.
 
It’s one of the easiest ways to pick a good black watermelon.
 

Storing Your Black Watermelon After You Pick It

Once you pick a good black watermelon, store it properly to keep it fresh.
 
Keep it whole at room temperature for up to a week.
 
If you cut it, wrap the pieces and refrigerate them.
 
A good black watermelon will stay sweet for several days in the fridge.
 

So, How Do You Pick a Good Black Watermelon?

You pick a good black watermelon by checking the field spot, feeling the weight, looking for webbing, and giving it a good thump.
 
A good black watermelon has a dull rind, a creamy yellow spot, and feels heavy for its size.
 
Avoid shiny rinds and light melons, and always trust the hollow sound test.
 
With these tips, you’ll know exactly how to pick a good black watermelon every single time.