A ripe melon has a dry, brownish, and slightly woody stem or residue. This fruit ripens naturally in the field and has had time to accumulate maximum sugar content.
On the other hand, a green and fresh stem indicates that the grower cut the melon too early and it has ripened off the plant. Such fruit is usually less sweet.
Look for a yellow spot on the bottom
Every watermelon has a place where it lies on the ground.
This stain should be creamy yellow to buttery yellow.
The deeper the yellow spot, the longer the watermelon has been ripening in the sun. A light or almost white spot often means the fruit is unripe.
Pay attention to the shape of the watermelon
The best watermelons are usually symmetrical.
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