How to pick a watermelon so that you are completely satisfied with your choice? There are some things you should look out for. Selecting a delicious watermelon is important to avoid disappointment when you’re ready to eat it. Just like picking a ripe pineapple, choosing the right watermelon matters to ensure a tasty experience. You don’t want to end up with a bland one!
When one has tasted watermelon, he knows what the angels eat.
Mark Twain
Unlike some fruits, watermelons don’t get sweeter after being picked. Once they’re taken off the vine, they stop getting ripe. So, when you buy a watermelon from the store, it’s as ripe as it’s going to get. You can’t leave it on the counter, hoping it will get sweeter like bananas or pears might. An uncut watermelon can stay fresh on your counter for 7 to 10 days. But once you cut it, it’s good in the fridge for only 3 to 4 days before it starts going bad. So, learning how to pick a watermelon that will taste good from the start is the key to enjoying it every time. More: Revitalize with a detox 3-day juice cleanse
Tips and tricks on how to pick a watermelon
The way your watermelon looks can tell you if it’s ready to eat. Look for one with clear, dark green stripes and light yellow ones. A shiny surface might mean it’s not quite ripe, so go for a duller look. Check the stem – a dry, yellow-brown stem means it’s ripe, but a green one might mean it needs more time to get sweet.
Look for dry spots and web-like lines on the watermelon – they’re signs it’s extra sweet. Round and evenly shaped watermelons are sweeter than oval ones. Check for any strange lumps on the surface and avoid those. The field spot, a big, discolored spot on the melon’s surface, is super important too. It should be creamy yellow or almost orange, showing the melon is full of flavor. If it’s white or light yellow, the watermelon might not be as tasty. More: How to make whipped cream?
When you’re shopping for a watermelon, you can sneak in a little exercise by lifting it to find the right one. A good watermelon should feel heavier than it looks when you lift it. The more weight for its size, the more water it has, making it sweeter. Even though you might crave watermelon all the time, the best time to buy it is between May and September, which is when it’s in its prime season. More: How to keep flies away?
Keeping it safe and fresh
Now that you’ve picked the best watermelon, it’s important to store it correctly. If it’s whole and not cut, you can keep it in the pantry or on the counter. But if you have limited fridge space, it’s okay to put it in the refrigerator. Once you cut the watermelon, store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For big pieces, like halves or quarters, wrap them tightly in plastic and refrigerate.
Wondering if you can freeze leftover watermelon? Yes, you can! Cut it into cubes, spread them on a baking sheet, and freeze until they’re firm. After that, transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag or container, and they’ll stay good for 6 months to a year. Keep in mind that thawed frozen watermelon will be soft, so it’s perfect for things like smoothies, drinks, or sorbet. Even though it can last up to a year in the freezer, it’s best to use it within 3 to 6 months for the best flavor. More: How to keep strawberries fresh?
