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Cooking 101: How do I pick the sweetest watermelon?


 

There's nothing better than cutting into a watermelon and getting that initial aroma of sweet melon goodness. Or when you split it open and hear the cracking of the thick green peel to reveal the vibrant fuchsia colors inside. The scent travels as juice escapes from beneath - the more palpable the scent the better the flavor. Care for a piece?

So how do you pick the perfect melon? Some people try their luck with a pick-and-go method. It’s like a drive by watermelon-napping.  Picking one up and shaking it never works. Some people just lack the confidence to pick a good one and go for the pre-cut, pre-packaged watermelon. Pitiful, to say the least.

Next time you find yourself on a watermelon hunt, refer to the following tips to nab a sweet one.

When picking the right melon one should:

First check its shape. Symmetry is the key.

Pay attention to its weight. Watermelons are mostly water so a heavier melon means a juicier melon.

Press the skin of the watermelon in various places of its surface. A good melon will not have any soft spots. Get one that’s as hard as a rock.

Notice the color. A darker green color outside offers a sweeter melon inside.

To check for ripeness, look for the sweet spot. Search for a yellow spot on the melon. This is where it sat during its growth period. The yellowish color indicates ripeness.

Lastly, smack it like it’s a bongo drum. Listen for an empty drum-like sound. Like a “Toom-Toom” sound. If it just makes a dense thud sound, set it down and test another one.

That’s it, simple enough. You can now confidently pick out a delicious watermelon for all to enjoy, perfect for the summer heat.

 

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Sacramento Cooking Examiner

Cresencio is a culinary enthusiast with a diverse cooking background. He lives, works and eats in Sacramento, with interest in new culinary ideas....

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