Watermelons are super awesome for health and a delicious hydrating powerhouse loaded with antioxidants and amino acids, but is finding the best ripe watermelon a discouraging task for you?
Do you just pick one at random hoping for the best?
Do you watch people sniff, tap and touch melons and wonder how they confidently walk away satisfied that they chose just the right one?
You are not alone, picking a nice melon is not as simple as picking berries for sure where you can see their freshness.
Here are a few simple ways to pick just the right melon:
- A melon should not have shiny skin, it should be rather a bit dull looking.
- It should be free of bruises and mushy spots so inspect it all around.
- Where the melon rested on the ground it should have a small creamy yellow patch (like a bald spot)
- indicating readiness
- It should be heavy for its size (bigger does not mean better)
- An asymmetrical oval shape is best
- When its belly is tapped with your palm it should feel hollow
- Know that once it is picked it will not ripen any more
Storing a watermelon:
Watermelons can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
Once you slice it you need to wrap it tightly and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Tip: you can freeze cubes of watermelon to add to a smoothie or instead of ice cubes in cocktails.
Any way you slice them enjoy your watermelons with a bit more confidence that you will now be able to pick a good one!
