Selecting the perfect watermelon: A juicy guide to summer's star
Even though watermelons can be purchased throughout the year, they taste best during warm weather. Here's how to select a juicy, aromatic fruit with firm, yet not too soft, flesh. It's not difficult at all.
Although we refer to watermelon as a fruit, botanically, it is a vegetable that belongs to the gourd family. In Canadian stores, we most frequently find watermelons imported from Mediterranean countries. Generally, we opt to purchase whole fruits because they can be stored longer. In this case, it's essential to choose a watermelon that meets all our expectations: sweet, juicy, and firm.
Why is it worth eating watermelons? It's not just about hydration
We value watermelons for their taste, but they also offer significant health benefits. Primarily, they hydrate the body well due to their high water content. They contain vitamins A and C, which support the immune system and have anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to antioxidants, watermelons help combat free radicals, which can delay the aging process. A critical component is citrulline, an amino acid that helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Another advantage is their low-calorie content.
Watermelons not just for snacks
Besides being a great snack, watermelons are also perfect for salads. You can make fruit salads from them, and it's becoming increasingly popular to combine them with cheese and olives, serving them in a savoury way. They're also ideal for smoothies. For all these dishes, you need juicy and sweet watermelons. Here's what to look out for in the store.
The size and weight of the watermelon are essential. Medium-sized but heavy fruits are generally the best choice. Huge ones can be watery, while tiny ones might be unripe. A heavy watermelon indicates it's full of juicy flesh.
Pay attention to the skin. It should be shiny and undamaged. Yellowish spots on the skin are a good sign, indicating that the fruit ripened in the sun. The larger and more intense these spots are, the sweeter the watermelon will be. Avoid fruits with white spots, which may indicate immaturity.
Tap the watermelon. This popular method assesses its ripeness. A ripe watermelon makes a deep, resonant sound. If no sound is heard, the fruit is likely not very tasty.
Note the stem. A dried stem indicates that the watermelon has ripened naturally, while a green stem may mean it was picked too early.
The colour of the flesh. When buying a watermelon, you can assess its sweetness. The redder it is, the sweeter it is likely to be.
