Choosing the perfect watermelon: Tips for the juiciest pick
Although watermelons are available all year round, they are most enjoyable on warm and hot days. Here's how to select a juicy, aromatic fruit with flesh that isn't as soft as a sponge. It's pretty straightforward.
While we often refer to watermelon as a fruit, botanically, it is a vegetable belonging to the gourd family. In our shops, watermelons are mostly imported from Mediterranean countries. Typically, we choose to buy whole watermelons as they have a longer shelf life. In this case, selecting a watermelon that meets all our criteria—sweet, juicy, and firm—is essential.
Why is it worth eating watermelons? It's not just about hydration
We appreciate watermelons for their flavour, but they also offer significant health benefits. Primarily, they hydrate the body effectively due to their high water content. They are rich in vitamins A and C, which support the immune system and possess anti-inflammatory properties. With antioxidants, watermelons help fight free radicals, which can delay the ageing process. An essential component is citrulline, an amino acid that helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. Additionally, they are low in calories.
Watermelons not just for snacks
Besides being a delightful snack, watermelons are also perfect for salads. They can be used in fruit salads, and it is becoming increasingly popular to pair them with cheese and olives, serving them in a savoury manner. They're also ideal for smoothies. For all these dishes, you need watermelons that are juicy and sweet. Here's what to look out for in the shop.
The size and weight of the watermelon matter. Medium-sized but heavy watermelons are generally the best choice. Huge ones can be watery, while tiny ones might be unripe. A heavy watermelon suggests it's full of juicy flesh.
Examine the skin. It should be shiny and undamaged. Yellowish spots on the skin are a positive sign, indicating that the fruit ripened in the sun. The larger and more intense the spot, the sweeter the watermelon will be. Avoid those with white spots, which may indicate immaturity.
Tap the watermelon. This standard method assesses its ripeness. A ripe watermelon makes a deep, resonant sound. If no sound is heard, the fruit is likely not very tasty.
Check the stem. A dried stem indicates natural ripening, while a green stem may suggest the watermelon was picked too early.
The colour of the flesh. When buying a watermelon, you can gauge its sweetness by its sweetness level. The redder it is, the sweeter it is likely to be.
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