Summer is here - and with it comes the universal challenge: how to choose a juicy, sweet watermelon when you’re surrounded by rows of look-alike melons. Picking a bad one can turn a hot-weather treat into a watery disappointment.
Below are expert-backed tips to help you select a watermelon that’s truly ripe and ready for summer - plus a fun modern tool to simplify the choice.
Key Ways to Spot a Ripe Watermelon
Look for a Yellow “Field Spot” (belly spot)
Turn the watermelon over and check the side that rested on the ground while growing. A creamy-yellow or buttery spot signals ripeness; a white or pale spot suggests it was harvested too early.
Check Shape & Uniformity
Choose a melon with a symmetrical, evenly curved shape. Avoid irregular bulges or flat spots - these can hint at uneven growth or flavor.
Pick the Heaviest for Its Size
Watermelons are mostly water; a heavy melon (for its size) usually indicates high water content - a sign of juiciness and freshness. If two melons look similar, the heavier one is likely the better pick.
Tap and Listen (the “Thump Test”)
Lightly tap the watermelon with your knuckles. A ripe melon often gives a deep, hollow sound - like a drum. A dull or flat sound suggests under- or over-ripeness.
Want Zero Guesswork? Try the iWatermelon App
If all these checks feel like a gamble - or if you’re buying many watermelons at once - the iWatermelon app can help you test ripeness within seconds. Just place your phone gently on the watermelon, select its approximate size and color, then tap three times. The app analyzes the sound feedback and tells you whether the watermelon is ripe.