Expert Tips From a Farmer

A juicy, sweet slice of watermelon is hard to resist on a sweltering hot summer day. The refreshing melon can be grilled, tossed into a salad, marinated, or puréed into a daiquiri. However, selecting a perfectly ripe watermelon at the farmers market or grocery store can be a bit of a guessing game. We reached out to Lee Wroten, watermelon farmer and president of the National Watermelon Promotion Board, for tips for choosing a peak season melon.

How to pick a ripe watermelon

According to Wroten, “When picking a watermelon, shape matters. Opt for ‘nice and fat’ watermelons over long and skinny ones, as the latter haven’t fully matured on the vine and might lack flavor. Heavier watermelons are generally juicier, so it’s a good idea to compare similar-sized melons on a grocery store scale to find the densest and ripest one.”

He also advises paying attention to the rind condition. “While small nicks and scrapes won’t affect the flesh, a clean watermelon is more desirable and inspires confidence. Be cautious with heavily bruised melons, as they might be mushy at those spots. The field spot, the area where the melon rested on the ground, is another key indicator. A yellow field spot indicates the watermelon ripened in the field, while a white spot suggests it’s underripe,” states Wroten.

Lastly, Wroten emphasizes the sound test. “When you thump a watermelon, listen for a nice ‘ping’ sound. A dull thud might indicate flaws such as overripeness or hollowness. Remembering these tips is easy with the mnemonic device ‘Look, lift, and turn’—look for a good shape without major flaws, lift to feel its weight, and turn to check the field spot. This way, you can take home the best watermelon and enjoy its refreshing, antioxidant-packed goodness,” says Wroten.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are watermelons in season?

In the United States, watermelons are in season May through September, with peak season coinciding with what is typically the hottest time of the year, July and August.

Should you wash a watermelon?

Watermelons are grown resting on the ground so often have dirt stuck to the rind. To prevent grit from ending up in your bowl of juicy watermelon cubes, wash the uncut fruit. Rinse with cool water and scrub with a clean produce brush to remove any dirt. Be sure to thoroughly dry with paper towels before cutting.

How should you cut a watermelon?

Slices with the rind attached are the easiest way to cut a watermelon, and the rind acts as a handle to prevent sticky fingers when eating. Place the melon on a large cutting board and cut in half crosswise using a large chef’s knife. Turn each melon half, cut side down, and cut vertically into quarters; cut each quarter into 1 to 1½- inch-thick slices.

Should you refrigerate watermelon?

Whole, uncut watermelons can be left out at cool room temperature for typically about 2 weeks after purchase. Once the melon is cut, the pieces should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Cut watermelon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Can you freeze watermelon?

Watermelon is 92% water and will readily freeze. However, upon thawing, it loses its crisp texture and vibrant color. Only freeze watermelon if you plan to blend it into a smoothie, slushie, or agua fresca. To freeze watermelon, cut the melon into cubes and freeze on a baking sheet until hardened, about one hour. Transfer to a large ziplock bag and freeze for up to one month.

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