How Do I Tell If A Watermelon Is Ripe?

[HoofTrimmer]

Hi, I would like to know what signs are available to distinguish ripe from not-yet-ready. Besides the Think, Thank, Thunk method.

Thanks,
HoofTrimmer

 

[Libertarian]

It tastes sweet and is firm and juicy.

 

[ChainedLightning]

If the little squiggly thing is dried up and brown it should be ripe, if it's still green and healthy then it's probably not ripe.

CL

 

[chairborne commando]

I was always taught to "thump" the melon.

How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe? Maturity is difficult to determine without plugging (cutting a small wedge) and testing. Usually, ripe melons of good quality are firm, symmetrical, fresh looking with an attractive waxy bloom, and with good characteristic color for the variety. The lower side should be somewhat yellowish where the melon contacted the soil. If a melon is very hard and is white or very pale green on the under side, it is probably immature. If so, don't undertake to ripen it: in the watermelon, total sugar does not increase after it comes off the vine.

Thumping is used to check ripeness but the results will vary. Generally, a solid sound indicates ripeness while a sharp echoing sound indicates a greener fruit. Look for a typical melon the retailer has cut and then you can know what his melons look like inside. Melons should have good red flesh, that is crisp and not mealy or water soaked (from bruising). Seeds, which can vary in color from white to black depending on the variety, should be fully mature and hard. At home, watermelons may be kept at room temperature until cut or may be refrigerated.

Alternate view of testing:

If you are trying to determine the ripeness of a whole watermelon, forget about thumping it. Instead look for a yellow belly. According to Horticulture Educators at the University of Illinois Extension, a sweet juicy watermelon is one that has sat in the sun until it is ripe. While the sitting is going on, the underbelly is the only part that is not exposed to the sun - thus the yellowish color. A fully ripe watermelon will have a butterscotch colored belly. A white or green belly means the watermelon is not ripe. Watermelons, unlike cantaloupes, do not improve in flavor or get any sweeter after harvest.

 

[peachfuzz]

Alternate view of testing:

If you are trying to determine the ripeness of a whole watermelon, forget about thumping it. Instead look for a yellow belly. According to Horticulture Educators at the University of Illinois Extension, a sweet juicy watermelon is one that has sat in the sun until it is ripe. While the sitting is going on, the underbelly is the only part that is not exposed to the sun - thus the yellowish color. A fully ripe watermelon will have a butterscotch colored belly. A white or green belly means the watermelon is not ripe. Watermelons, unlike cantaloupes, do not improve in flavor or get any sweeter after harvest.

This is similar to what we were told in the produce section one day. Look for a dark green melon and the butterscotch belly. This method has worked best for us.

pf

 

[HoofTrimmer]

Great! Now I won't be pulling any that aren't ready. An unripe watermelon is like eating a giant cucumber. Yuck.

HoofTrimmer

 

[ChainedLightning]

Okay, so ya'll didn't take me seriously... but the little squiggly curl will NOT shrivel up and turn brown until the watermelon is ripe. Here are some web pages that mention it (and yeah, the yellow belly is also an indication)

http://www.aces.edu/Tallapoosa/vegetables/watermelons.htm

http://www.accessexcellence.org/AB/BA/vTours/agri/slideWins/curl_Win.html

 

[Yammy]

I choose them using a couple ways, first find where the rind broke off and push that with your thumb, it should just give a bit. Too hard it's under ripe, too soft over ripe.

Also look at the coloring of what is offered, the brighter the contrast is the better.

 

[peachfuzz]

Okay, so ya'll didn't take me seriously... but the little squiggly curl will NOT shrivel up and turn brown until the watermelon is ripe.

I believe you! But in all honesty, I RARELY see the squiggly curl left on the melons at the store. Maybe at the farmers markets, but not at the regular grocery stores.

pf

 

[chairborne commando]

It occurred to me that we were missing an important consideration:
bad watermelon.

Avoid: Avoid product that is partially white or pale green, soft overall, has soft spots or is leaking a milky-white fluid. Melons shouldn't have any dents, bruises or cuts, but marks left from insect bites will not affect the melon's flavor. When using the open palm technique for ripeness, avoid melons with a high-pitched tone or a dead, thudding sound.

 

[Tadpole]

If the little squiggly thing is dried up and brown it should be ripe, if it's still green and healthy then it's probably not ripe.

the underbelly is the only part that is not exposed to the sun - thus the yellowish color. A fully ripe watermelon will have a butterscotch colored belly. A white or green belly means the watermelon is not ripe.

This is the first specific info I've seen on knowing when a watermelon is ripe that makes sense to me.

Thanks!