Tips for Choosing a Sweet and Juicy Watermelon

Watermelon is one of the most popular and refreshing fruits to enjoy during the summer. Its sweet flavor and high water content make it a perfect choice for cooling down on hot days. However, not every watermelon you pick at the market will taste equally delicious. Here are some practical tips to help you select the perfect sweet and juicy watermelon every time.

1. Check the Field Spot (Ground Patch)

The first thing you should look at is the field spot — the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while it grew. A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow to deep golden-yellow field spot. This color indicates that the fruit had enough time to mature in the sun.
If the spot is white or very pale, it means the melon was picked too early and is still unripe. Such watermelons usually have thick rinds and bland flesh, lacking the sweetness you’re looking for.

2. Tap the Watermelon to Test Its Ripeness

This is one of the oldest and most trusted methods. Simply give the watermelon a few gentle taps. If it produces a deep, hollow, and resonant sound—like a drum—it’s likely ripe and full of water.
If the sound is dull or heavy, it’s probably under-ripe or overripe. Experienced fruit sellers often rely on this method to judge ripeness without even cutting the fruit.

3. Look for Sugar Spots or Brown Webbing

Many people mistake brown patches or sugar spots for imperfections, but these markings are actually a good sign. They indicate that bees pollinated the flower multiple times, allowing the fruit to develop more sweetness. The more sugar spots you see (in moderation), the sweeter the watermelon tends to be.

4. Observe the Shape of the Watermelon

While some believe rounder watermelons are “female” and sweeter, and longer ones are “male” with more water, this isn’t entirely accurate—it depends mostly on the variety.
However, in general, slightly elongated melons tend to be juicier and have a crisper texture, while rounder ones may taste a bit milder. When in doubt, choose a melon that feels evenly shaped, symmetrical, and free from dents or irregular bumps.

5. Consider the Size and Weight

Don’t just go for the biggest or the smallest fruit. Medium-sized watermelons—usually between 1.5 to 3 kilograms—often have the best flavor and texture.
Also, pick up the fruit and feel its weight. A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size because it’s filled with water and juice. If it feels lighter than expected, it may be dry or underripe inside.

6. Examine the Stem (the Vine End)

The stem can tell you a lot about the fruit’s maturity. Choose watermelons with a dried, slightly curled brown stem—this shows the fruit ripened naturally before harvest.
If the stem is still green and firm, the watermelon was likely picked too early and may not be sweet yet. Freshly harvested melons have green stems, but letting them sit a few days until the stem dries out will help the sweetness develop further.

7. Check the Navel or “Belly Button”

Flip the watermelon and look at its bottom center, also called the navel or blossom end. A small, tight navel means the rind is thinner and the flesh inside is typically juicier and sweeter.
On the other hand, a large navel or one that bulges outward usually belongs to a watermelon with a thick rind and more seeds, resulting in a less flavorful fruit.

Extra Tip: Avoid Shiny Watermelons

A dull, matte rind is often a good indicator of ripeness. Watermelons that look very shiny are usually underripe, as their skin hasn’t fully developed yet.

By paying attention to these small but important details, you’ll greatly increase your chances of picking the perfect watermelon — one that’s sweet, crisp, and bursting with refreshing flavor. The next time you’re at the market, remember these tips and you’ll never bring home a bland melon again!