How to select watermelons at the peak of ripeness

Fresh fruits have the finest flavor and texture when at the peak of ripeness. Here is how to pick the perfect watermelon.

The cold, juicy sweetness of a ripe watermelon on a summer day is a tradition not to be missed. There is nothing more disappointing than a watermelon that has not achieved the perfect sweet juiciness, leaving the crowd with a tasteless and tough let-down.

Things You'll Need

• Supermarket or fruit stand

Instructions

1. As with all fruits, be sure to exclude any item that has soft spots or visible damage to the rind.

2. To ensure that you pick the right melon give them all a solid thump right in the middle of the long side. If you hear a boring 'thud', it's just not time yet. If you hear a nice, hollow sound then that is the melon for you.

Tips & Warnings

• Most people have a hard time distinguishing a 'thud' from a 'hollow'. To train your ear try to thump a full bottle of vegetable oil, liquid laundry detergent or any other liquid that comes in a plastic bottle. Be sure to hold it at the neck. Compare that 'thud' with the 'hollow' sound of a bottle that is only about 1/3 to ½ full. Take your new-found thumping ear to the market and pick the perfect treat!