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.
The Biden Administration launched the Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (ILCMA) program in 2023 to help underserved farmers facing barriers to land ownership.
March 26, 2026 02:20 PM
·
The agricultural installment land contract remains a sophisticated tool for transitioning farm assets, but its success depends entirely on the technical integrity of the written agreement.
March 26, 2026 10:44 AM
·
Dr. Gold encouraged farmers and ranchers to prioritize eye safety in their daily routines, offering his expertise to help reduce risks on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
March 25, 2026 03:32 PM
·
University of Nebraska-Lincoln highlights hands-on programs preparing students for a wide range of agriculture-related fields
March 25, 2026 02:54 PM
·
Citrus production depends heavily on reliable irrigation, making water shortages a critical issue for South Texas growers moving forward.
March 25, 2026 01:47 PM
·
After devastating wildfires swept through Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer is championing a bill to expedite the relief process for farmers and ranchers. She joins us with updates on recovery efforts, conditions on the ground, and how the ag community has stepped up to help.
March 25, 2026 10:58 AM
·
