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.
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
March 17, 2026 12:13 PM
·
For producers, the cost of doing business is no longer determined solely by feed, fuel, and weather—it is increasingly a matter of navigating the differing legal philosophies of every state line they cross.
March 17, 2026 10:00 AM
·
Renowned farm broadcaster and friend of RFD-TV, Orion Samuelson, will undoubtedly be remembered for many things, but most of all, his work as a champion of America’s farmers and ranchers will define his legacy.
March 17, 2026 08:12 AM
·
FFA Program Specialist Ashli Weinrich highlights how the FFA Next Gen Conference helps ag students explore career opportunities and build skills for the future.
March 16, 2026 03:59 PM
·
Diversification is critical as conservation reshapes rural economies.
March 14, 2026 06:00 PM
·
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.
March 13, 2026 03:03 PM
·
