How to Choose the Best Watermelon

Start by comparing melons that are about the same size and variety, since rind color and shape can vary. The Watermelon Board recommends the simple “look, lift, turn” method: inspect the melon, lift it, then check the underside. Using several clues together is more reliable than picking the first large melon you see.

Turn the watermelon over and find the pale patch where it rested on the ground. A creamy yellow or golden field spot is a strong sign the melon ripened in the sun, while a white or greenish spot can point to an underripe melon, according to Good Housekeeping’s ripeness guide. Skip melons with no clear field spot if better options are available.

Lift two similar-size melons and choose the one that feels heavier. Watermelon is mostly water, so a heavy feel for its size usually points to juicier flesh. If a melon feels surprisingly light, it may be dry, underripe, or past its best.

Look over the whole surface before putting the melon in your cart. A good watermelon should be firm and free from deep bruises, cuts, dents, cracks, or soft spots, which are warning signs noted by Allrecipes’ selection guide. Small surface scratches are usually fine as long as the rind is not broken.

Choose a round or oval melon that looks symmetrical and evenly filled out. Flat sides, large lumps, or a lopsided shape can suggest uneven growing conditions, and The Spruce Eats notes that a good whole watermelon should be symmetrical and heavy for its size. Shape alone does not prove sweetness, but it helps you rule out weaker choices.

Tap the melon gently with your knuckles and listen for a deep, hollow, drum-like sound. Better Homes & Gardens explains that a flat or dead thud can suggest bruising, overripeness, or poor juiciness. Treat sound as a final check, not a replacement for the field spot and weight tests.

If a stem is still attached, a dry brown stem is a better sign than a green one, but many store-bought watermelons have little stem left. Brown web-like marks on the rind can also be a promising clue, though Good Housekeeping describes these as supporting signs rather than the main test. Let the field spot, weight, and rind condition decide if these clues conflict.

Rinse the outside under running water, scrub the firm rind if needed, and dry it before slicing. A knife can move bacteria from the rind into the flesh, so safe handling advice recommends washing, using clean tools, and refrigerating cut watermelon within 2 hours. Store cut pieces in a sealed container in the refrigerator.