How to select the perfect watermelon

While trying to find the sweetest watermelon is always difficult, experts do have a few recommendations.

watermelon_AdobeStock_7425002.png

Adobe Stock

If you walk by the watermelons on a summer day, you’ll probably see people picking them up, thumping them, or tapping them to try to get the perfect fruit.

While trying to find the sweetest watermelon is always difficult, experts do have a few recommendations.

The easiest way to identify a possible ripe watermelon is by its shape and weight. You want the fruit to be heavy, symmetrical, and smooth.

When examining a watermelon, check the spot where it has been resting. A yellow-white spot means ripeness, and white or pale suggests it could be immature. You can also test the ripeness by scratching the surface. If the outer layer peels with little resistance, showing a green-white rind, the fruit is ripe.

Many have also read about using hollowness to test the ripeness. Some experts believe a hollow sound indicates ripeness, while others say it is unnecessary.

On the inside, more red flesh and dark seeds are good indicators of ripe watermelon, as white seeds indicate the fruit is immature.

Additionally, if a watermelon is not as mature as it should be, not all hope is lost. A watermelon can ripen more quickly at room temperature in a few days.

You can find more watermelon resources here.

Related Stories
Diversification is critical as conservation reshapes rural economies.
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold provides insights on supporting aging populations in rural communities on this week’s Rural Health Matters segment.
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
UNL student fellow Alison Walbrecht shares her perspective on building support for agricultural research, extension, and teaching while gaining hands-on insight into federal policymaking.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, Crop Insurance, and a Business Planning Complication
Smaller slaughter numbers across beef and pork signal tighter supplies into late 2025, while record-low veal production highlights ongoing structural changes in the sector.
UC Davis Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Frank Mitloehner joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to preview the festivities and share why this event has become such a special tradition for the ag community.
Beal joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss her election to NASDA’s presidency, challenges facing American agriculture, and her background as a Mainer and dairy farmer.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert Roger McEowen joined us Friday to break down the executive order and what it means for farmers and ranchers.
Chad Rezniek with the Colorado AgrAbility Project joined us as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week to discuss the growing need for behavioral health support in rural communities.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Bill Gaither, the founder of one of gospel’s most successful groups, the Gaither Vocal Band, and his wife, Gloria, are delighted to showcase their favorite gospel music during “Gaither Gospel Hour” on RFD-TV.