How I Choose Watermelon!

Look at WHERE the watermelon was grown. If it is peak watermelon season, since I am in the U.S I am looking for Texas or Florida grown melons 90% of the time. Then determine the variety of melon.
Dry season = Sweet Melons. Wet season = Less Sweet.

I look for a big one, because I want as much Melon as I can get. The melon should feel heavier than it looks. It should have a very clear ground spot and should be well yellowed. Depending on the variety I will also check the stripe pattern. Well ripened melons should have clear stripes that begin to break towards one end.

The Thump. You want to slap the melon with an OPEN palm.The sound should reverberate. If it sounds like when you slap your hand on the floor, this is no good.

It is a common misconception that shine, scarring, color, and shape affect the overall “quality” of the fruit inside. This is usually just an indicator of the variety of melon and has nothing to do with quality. Some scarring or wind damage may indicate disease or a hollow inside but this can be confirmed with the thump!

Pro Tip: If you think your melon might be too watery or you want it sweeter, you can leave the melon outside for a day before cutting (not in direct sunlight). The water will precipitate out through the rind.

Less water = Higher concentration of sugar = Sweeter Melon.

I have eaten 7 watermelons as of 2026