- They are not one of the “dirty dozen” (the most heavily sprayed produce). They are one of the 15 most clean non-organic fruits and vegetables.
- Decide what size of watermelon you want as there are many different sizes. Watermelons can weigh anywhere from a few pounds to more than 90.
- Do you want a seedless watermelon? Most seedless watermelons are often not organic so that may be something for you to consider.
- Choose a melon that is medium to light green but not yellowing, with several spots of light green on it.
- Make sure it feels heavy for its size.
- It is should not be bruised, shriveled, cracked or moldy. The purpose of the thick rind is to protect the contents inside. Minor scratches are okay.
- Check out the bottom of the watermelon; this should have a creamy yellow spot which is where the watermelon sat on the ground while ripening. If this spot is white or green, it may not be ripe as it was picked too soon.
- The melon should have a faint aroma and the end should be soft.
- Tap the watermelon with the palm of your hand lightly several times. What you hear should be a somewhat hollow echo. This indicates the fruit is likely fresh and its flesh is very hard, which is when they taste best. If the sound is a thunk as though it’s solid, that’s no good and too hollow a sound is also not good. You just have to do the trial and error thing until you learn which watermelons are the best.
- The best watermelons will, of course, be the ones you grow yourself. Learn How to Grow Watermelons.
In this video below, Diana gives a quick demonstration of how to pick and cut a watermelon.