In addition to being delicious, watermelons are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins, so this summer at my house, we are chomping them down like candy. Sometimes the melon is fantastic—sometimes it’s a dud. After a summer of trial and error—I finally googled “how to pick a good watermelon.”
Armed with my new knowledge, I entered the store.
First—the thump. According to the experts a ripe watermelon should have a deep hollow sound when thumped. If it’s over or under ripe, the sound will be dull. I chose an average sized one and gave it a thump. Hard to tell. What constitutes “dull”? I had nothing to compare it to, so I thumped another melon. I still didn’t know so stayed with the first one.
Next—the yellow splotch. The second “expert” suggestion— check the yellow spot. Watermelons develop a splotch when they rest on the ground. When it’s creamy yellow, it’s ripe. I scrutinized the underside and studied the color. Yes! This one had a large, creamy yellow spot.
The final step—no matter how big or small, a good and ripe melon should be heavy for its size. I lifted it. Hard to say. I picked up another one and compared. Who knew? My final decision was based on pure emotion. Because I’d gotten rather attached to the first melon, I set it in my grocery cart and hoped for the best.
That night, after dinner, I hauled out the large round melon. We cut into it and…it was a luscious red. I took a bite…crisp and sweet. It was that mouthwatering to-die-for sweet, satisfying watermelon you always hope you will choose. We enjoyed this wonderful treat for the next few days until we reluctantly dumped the last rinds into the compost bin, wishing we had more.
Hoping that maybe I somehow had developed watermelon-choosing skills, I set out to buy the next one. I did some thumping, finally chose one and crossed my fingers. That night after dinner, Dick cut into it and…it was a disappointing dull red. I took a bite, chewed and swallowed—slightly soggy although with a faint sweet taste. Passable but not the quintessential watermelon. Nothing like the last one.
We continue eating watermelons, because even a mediocre watermelon is good. I continue buying them. Sometimes they are wonderful. Sometimes not.
The biggest lesson learned? It’s impossible to know if a melon is good until you cut it open. Not a good idea at the grocery store.
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