On the contrary, a watermelon that looks very smooth and shiny is generally not yet fully ripe. Also remember to check that there are no bumps or suspicious spots: a firm and uniform skin is ideal.
The tapping test (yes, it works!)
This is a grandmother’s trick that still works very well: gently tap the fruit with your palm or fingers.
If you hear a hollow, vibrating sound , bingo! This means the flesh is juicy.
On the other hand, a dull or muffled sound could indicate that the fruit is overripe… or even mushy.
These mysterious veins are good news
Have you noticed small brownish cracks or irregular lines on the surface? Don’t worry: these marks, sometimes called veins , are often a sign of a high sugar concentration . And therefore of a very sweet and tasty fruit!
They actually demonstrate effective pollination , which promotes richness in taste.
The tail: a detail that says a lot
It’s all in the tail… of the watermelon, of course! Take a look at the stalk, that little remnant of stem often still attached to the fruit.
A brownish, dry, and curled stem is an excellent indicator of ripeness.
If it is still green, the fruit was probably harvested too early.
Weight, a key criterion (and easy to test)
Here’s a simple rule of thumb: if the watermelon is the same size, always choose the heaviest one . Why? Because that means it’s full of water . And water means freshness and juiciness!
Don’t hesitate to compare several fruits in the store: you will sometimes be surprised by the difference just by lifting them.
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