To pick the best watermelon, consider the following expert tips:

• Check the shape: Choose a watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape, either round or oval, without irregular bumps

• Feel the weight: Pick a watermelon that feels heavy for its size, indicating it has more water content and will be juicier and sweeter

• Look at the field spot: This is the spot where the watermelon rested on the ground. A creamy or dark yellow/orange field spot means the melon ripened longer on the vine and is full of flavor. A white or pale field spot suggests it is underripe

• Examine the skin color: Ripe watermelons have dark, dull skin rather than shiny. Shiny skin usually means the melon is underripe

• Check webbing or sugar spots: Larger webbing (brownish, net-like lines) indicates the melon is sweeter because it has more sugar seeping out

• Use the two-finger rule: Hold two fingers together lengthwise along the dark green stripe between the white stripes on the watermelon. If the stripe is about as wide as your two fingers, the watermelon is likely ripe

• Tap the watermelon: Knock on the melon and listen for a deep, hollow sound, which suggests ripeness and juiciness. A dull or flat sound indicates underripe or dry melon

Summary of key points:

Feature| What to Look For| What It Indicates
---|---|---
Shape| Symmetrical, no bumps| Even ripening
Weight| Heavy for size| Juicy and sweet
Field Spot| Creamy/dark yellow/orange| Ripe, flavorful
Skin Color| Dark and dull| Ripe
Webbing (Sugar Spots)| Large, extensive| Sweeter
Two-Finger Rule| Dark stripe width ~ two fingers| Ripe
Sound on Tapping| Deep, hollow tone| Juicy and ripe

Using these combined methods will help you consistently pick a sweet, ripe, and juicy watermelon