How to Pick a Sweet and Juicy Watermelon: 3 Things to Look For

Choosing the perfect watermelon doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With a few simple tips, you can easily pick one that’s sweet, juicy, and ripe. Here’s what to look for:

1. Look at the Field Spot

The field spot is the creamy, yellowish area where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing.

Sweet Watermelon: A deep yellow or orange field spot indicates ripeness.
Avoid: A white or pale field spot suggests it’s not fully ripe.

2. Check for a Hollow Sound

Tap the watermelon with your knuckles.

Sweet Watermelon: A deep, hollow sound means the fruit is full of water and ripe.
Avoid: A dull or flat sound indicates it’s likely overripe or underripe.

3. Examine the Surface and Shape

Symmetry: Choose a watermelon that’s uniform in shape, whether round or oval. This indicates consistent growth.
Webbing: Brown, vein-like lines on the surface suggest that bees pollinated the flower often, which usually means a sweeter fruit.
Weight: Pick one that feels heavy for its size—this means it’s juicy.

How to Cut Watermelon into Cubes

Cutting a watermelon into neat cubes is simple and efficient. Follow these steps:

What You’ll Need:

A sharp knife
A cutting board

Steps:

Wash the Watermelon
- Rinse the watermelon thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or bacteria.
Slice Off the Ends
- Cut about an inch off each end of the watermelon to create flat surfaces for stability.
Cut the Watermelon in Half
- Stand the watermelon upright and slice it in half vertically.
Quarter the Watermelon
- Place each half flat side down and cut it in half again to create quarters.
Remove the Rind
- Lay one quarter on its side and carefully slice along the curve to remove the rind and white pith.
Cut into Strips
- Cut the flesh into even strips lengthwise and then crosswise to form cubes.
Store or Serve
- Transfer the cubes to a bowl for serving or store them in an airtight container in the fridge.