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
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
For our Countdown to Convention with Culver’s, we explore how the sea of FFA blue impacts local businesses.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the USDA’s newly unveiled plan to rebuild the US beef herd and the industry’s spectrum of responses to it.
As we continue our Countdown to Convention sponsored by Culver’s, we see how FFA helps students and alums like Kat Walker build skills for life through ag education.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.
U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) discusses the USDA’s new cattle plan, ethanol policy, and the broader challenges ahead for rural America.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Strong crush demand and rising ethanol production are pressuring feedstocks, as traders monitor storage risks and supply chain uncertainty and await the upcoming January WASDE report.
The U.S. Meat Export Federation plans to expand its global market presence in the New Year and says it is focusing its appeal on the growing middle class worldwide.
New World Screwworm cases in Mexico, including one within 200 miles of the U.S. border, are adding pressure to livestock markets and trade decisions.
Dr. Seth Meyer Concludes Service; Dr. Justin Benavidez Appointed USDA Chief Economist
USDA data indicates that 13.7 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest rate since 2014, even as most households remained food secure.
Weather, Tight Supplies, and Planning Shape Farm Decisions
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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.
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!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
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.