How to tell if a watermelon is ripe
About the introduction of how to tell if a watermelon is ripe and the related introduction of green plants and flowers, the following is a comprehensive introduction.
As one of the most popular fruits in summer, the ripeness of watermelon directly affects its taste and sweetness. Mastering the correct method of judgment can not only avoid buying unripe or overripe watermelons but also improve the efficiency of purchasing. The following are practical skills for determining the ripeness of watermelons, detailed in five aspects: visual observation, tactile identification, sound discrimination, field judgment, and auxiliary skills.
### One, Visual Characteristic Judgment Method- -1. Skin Color and Patterns-- - Mature watermelons have a deep skin color with clear and distinct patterns. For example, the Black Beauty variety is dark green, and the bright green stripes of Jingxin watermelon stand out against the light green background. If the skin is whitish or the patterns are blurred, it may not be fully ripe.- -2. Pedicle Condition-- - Naturally mature watermelons have a dry and withered pedicle that is curved (commonly known as "drumstick pedicle"). If the pedicle is green or has water stains, it may have been picked early. Note that the deeper the indentation at the base, the higher the maturity usually is.- -3. Belly Shape-- - Observe the bottom of the watermelon (belly): the belly of a mature watermelon is small and round, about the size of a one-yuan coin, and indented inward; the belly of an unripe watermelon is larger and flat. The yellowing around the belly is a sign of sugar accumulation.### Two, Tactile and Weight Assessment- -1. Skin Tactile-- - Gently scrape the watermelon skin; mature melons have a hard and smooth outer skin that is not easily scratched by a fingernail; unripe melons have a crisp and tender skin. If the skin is soft and collapsed, it may be overripe or rotten.- -2. Weight Comparison-- - Under the same variety and size, mature watermelons are heavier due to sufficient water content. You can weigh it with your hand: the heavier ones are usually sweeter, and the lighter ones may be "hollow" or lack water.### Three, Sound Discrimination Method- -1. Rapping Tone-- - Tap the middle of the watermelon with a knuckle:- - - A crisp high tone (ding-dong sound): unripe, the flesh is firm.- - - A dull low tone (thud sound): mature, the flesh is loose and juicy.- - - A hollow sound: may be overripe or fibrous.- -2. Vibration Feedback-- - If there is a noticeable vibration felt in the palm when tapping, it indicates that the flesh cells are active and the juice is abundant, indicating higher maturity.### Four, Field Judgment (for self-grown watermelons)- -1. Growth Cycle-- - It takes 30-40 days for ordinary watermelons to mature from fruit setting, and about 25 days for early varieties (such as Texas Wonders). You can calculate based on the pollination date and judge combined with the variety description.- -2. Tendril Condition-- - If the tendrils near the fruit are completely withered and yellow, it indicates maturity. However, be aware that lack of water or disease can also cause tendrils to wither, so it should be judged in combination with other characteristics.- -3. Presence of Fruit Powder-- - Mature watermelons often have a layer of white fruit powder on the surface, which peels off slightly when touched; unripe melons have less fruit powder and it sticks closely to the skin.### Five, Auxiliary Skills and Precautions- -1. Sunlight Patch-- - The light yellow part of the watermelon that touches the ground (commonly known as "yellow baseboard") is a sign of sufficient sunlight, and completely green and white may indicate insufficient maturity.- -2. Variety Differences-- - - Seedless watermelons: The skin patterns are more blurred when mature, requiring tactile and sound judgment.- - - Yellow flesh watermelons (such as Texas Wonders): The belly is明显 indented after maturity, and the skin is light green.- -3. Avoiding Commercial Traps-- - Avoid buying watermelons with pinholes or drug spots (may have been injected with ripening agents). Naturally mature watermelons have uniform sweetness, while artificially ripened ones may have locally over-sweet or unevenly colored flesh.- -4. Storage Influence-- - The sound and tactile feel of watermelons change after refrigeration, so it is recommended to judge at room temperature. If the seeds are black and plump after cutting, with few white seeds, it indicates high maturity.### SummaryBy using the four-step method of "looking, touching, listening, and calculating," the accuracy of judgment can be effectively improved. If there is no cutting condition, prioritize observing the pedicle, belly, and yellow baseboard; if tapping is allowed, combining sound and weight is more reliable. For self-grown watermelons, it is recommended to mark the pollination date and check the tendrils regularly. Mastering these skills can easily select high-quality watermelons with thin skin, sweet flesh, and abundant juice.
The above is the specific content of how to tell if a watermelon is ripe and how to judge it. If it can be helpful to you, remember to visit the website often!