Most of us don't grow watermelons in our garden, but did you know that southern Ontario farmers produce 35,000+ watermelons during the summer months?
Watermelons are a favorite summer snack—refreshing, juicy, and sweet. But picking the perfect one at the farmers market can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Fortunately, there are simple ways to find a delicious, ripe watermelon.
Sweetness in watermelon is measured on the Brix scale, which shows sugar levels. A score of 10 is standard, but anything above 11 is considered extra sweet.
Here are three tips to help choose the best watermelon:
Look for the yellow belly:
One side of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, known as the field spot. This shows where the fruit rested on the ground while growing. A big, buttery-yellow patch means the melon had more time to ripen, making it sweeter. If the spot is small or pale, the fruit might not be ripe yet.
Tap and listen:
Gently knock on the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe one will sound deep and full. If it sounds hollow, it may be overripe and not as tasty. Pair this test with a good yellow spot for the best results.
Choose dull and heavy:
Ripe watermelons are not shiny. A dull surface indicates ripeness, and a heavier fruit suggests it’s full of water—watermelons are about 92% water, after all.
These easy tips can help anyone choose a sweet, juicy watermelon this summer. It’s the perfect time to enjoy this classic, healthy treat with your family and friends.