The Perfect Time for Watermelon! Learn How to Pick the Best One This Summer.

As summer approaches, one of the fruits that comes to mind is watermelon. With its refreshing taste and hydrating qualities, watermelon is a top choice for beating the heat. However, choosing a delicious watermelon is not as easy as it seems. Many people rely on various myths when selecting a watermelon, but how accurate are these methods? In this post, we'll examine different ways to pick a watermelon and find out which methods are truly reliable.

 

When picking a watermelon, it’s important not to rely solely on traditional myths.

 

The Relationship Between the Size of the Navel and the Taste

First, let's look at the myth regarding the size of the watermelon’s navel (the round spot opposite the stem). It’s often said that smaller navels indicate a sweeter watermelon, but this isn’t entirely true.

 

The size of the navel is determined by environmental factors during the watermelon’s growth. For example, if the weather suddenly becomes cold or if too much fertilizer is used during pollination, the navel may grow larger than usual. Therefore, a larger navel doesn’t necessarily mean the watermelon will taste bad. However, a smaller navel might suggest that the fruit grew in more stable conditions, which could lead to a firmer and potentially tastier watermelon.

 

Can You Judge a Watermelon’s Taste by Tapping It?

Many people tap watermelons to hear the “thump” sound as a way to judge ripeness, but using sound to determine sweetness is challenging. However, the feel of the watermelon when tapped can give some clues about its quality. A firm, elastic response suggests the watermelon is fresh and its flesh is likely solid.

 

On the other hand, a dull sound might indicate a "sunburned" watermelon, where the flesh has fermented due to overexposure to sunlight, creating alcohol-like substances. These watermelons may have mushy flesh and an altered taste, which can cause digestive issues. So, while tapping can help you gauge a watermelon’s condition, it’s not a foolproof method for determining taste.

 

Is the White Powder on the Surface a Sign of Sweetness?

Sometimes you might notice white powder on the surface of a watermelon. Some believe this indicates high sugar content pushing to the surface, but in reality, this powder has nothing to do with sweetness. It’s more likely to be silica. When assessing a watermelon’s taste and freshness, it’s best to ignore the presence of this white powder.

 

Are Bumpy Watermelons Tastier?

There’s also a belief that watermelons with bumpy surfaces are sweeter. This stems from the idea that later-harvested watermelons, which might develop bumps as they age, have higher sugar content. While it’s true that later harvests can slightly increase sweetness, a bumpy surface isn’t a guaranteed sign of a sweeter fruit.

 

These external features are often more related to differences in watermelon varieties than to their taste. The darkness and number of stripes on a watermelon are also due to variety differences and are not reliable indicators of taste.

 

Is a Watermelon with a Sunken Stem Sweeter?

Some people try to judge a watermelon’s taste by its stem, believing that a sunken stem means a sweeter fruit. However, a sunken stem is simply a normal part of the watermelon’s shape. A protruding stem might indicate a deformed fruit, which could be of lower quality, but you can’t reliably judge sweetness from the stem alone.

 

That said, the stem’s condition can indicate freshness. A dry stem suggests that the watermelon has been harvested for a while, which might mean it’s less fresh. Therefore, checking the stem’s condition is an important step when selecting a watermelon.

 

Brix Level: The Most Reliable Method

The most accurate and reliable way to evaluate a watermelon’s sweetness is by checking its Brix level. The Brix index measures the sugar content in fruit, with higher numbers indicating a sweeter taste.

 

The Brix index is a scientific and objective method used to assess the sweetness of various fruits, including watermelon. If you have the chance to check the Brix level when buying a watermelon, it’s the best way to ensure you’re getting a sweet one. The higher the Brix level, the sweeter and more delicious the watermelon is likely to be.

 

Practical Tips for Choosing a Watermelon

Considering the various myths and the Brix index, here are some practical tips for selecting a tasty watermelon.

 

• Check the Brix Index: If possible, choose a watermelon with a high Brix index, as this is the most accurate way to assess sweetness.
• Test for Elasticity: Tap the watermelon to see if it feels firm and elastic. This suggests the watermelon is fresh with solid flesh.
• Check the Stem: Make sure the stem isn’t too dry, as a dry stem indicates that the watermelon has been harvested for a long time.
• Check the Navel Size: A smaller navel might suggest a firmer, better-developed fruit.
• Avoid Sunburned Watermelons: Steer clear of watermelons that produce a dull sound when tapped, as they might be sunburned.

 

Conclusion: Opt for a Scientific Approach Over Myths

In conclusion, when picking a watermelon, it’s important not to rely solely on traditional myths. The Brix index is the most reliable indicator of a watermelon’s taste, so use it if available. While elasticity, stem condition, and navel size can be useful hints, they aren’t as precise as the Brix index.

 

Next time you’re choosing a watermelon, prioritize the Brix index, and consider elasticity and stem condition to select a delicious, refreshing watermelon to enjoy in the summer heat. With a little extra care, you can confidently pick a watermelon that will let you savor the taste of summer without being swayed by unreliable myths.