There’s nothing worse than spending $5 on a big ol’ watermelon, getting it all cut up, and discovering it’s a mealy and soggy disappointment.
A good watermelon is SO GOOD. Sweet, crisp, and juicy. And a bad watermelon is just so bad. Mealy, sort of mildew-y tasting, and soggy.
I don’t mean to brag, but this summer I am batting 1000 at watermelon picking. And I’ve gotten a watermelon every single week of the summer, so it’s not just luck. I really think I’ve cracked the perfect watermelon code. There are a million tips and myths about how to pick a watermelon, and I’ve got the ones that really matter down to the science.
I’ve also tested all of the various ways to cut up a watermelon, and I find this method to be the fastest and cleanest.
And now I will impart my summer wisdom upon you, my friends! We still have several more watermelon weeks left, and make sure to bookmark this page for next summer so that next summer can be sweet.
How to Pick a Perfect Watermelon
1. Size Does Matter
Look for a medium sized watermelons. Those big berthas are usually not very flavorful, and often have a watery texture. Rounder watermelons are typically sweeter than their oblong relatives.
2. Choose a hefty one
Pick up your watermelon- it should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light, it is likely not a very juicy watermelon and will be one of those pale pink, overly crunchy ones. Make sure it feels heavy and dense.
3. Knock, knock
Hold your watermelon up to your ear and give it a few knocks. It sound sound hollow. A hollow sound is an indicator of a crisp texture. If it sounds muddled or solid, it’s probably mealy.
4. Hello, Yellow
This is one of the most important and most foolproof tips. Look for a big, very yellow spot on the watermelon. This means the watermelon is ripe. A watermelon with a white spot is probably not very sweet. You want a nice big yellow spot.
Now that you have the perfect watermelon, let’s cut it up!
A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth at least a million, so here’s a handy video on the easiest and cleanest way to cut up a watermelon!
Happy Summer, friends! Enjoy the last few weeks of long days, hot sun, and watermelon 3 meals a day!
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