The hardest part of enjoying a watermelon is picking a good one. Watermelons can look good on the outside, but when cut open it isn’t as tasty as we want. Here are a couple of different tips to help you pick the perfect watermelon.
- Start by looking for a watermelon that has a uniform shape, with little to no bruising or scrapes on the surface.
- Next flip your melon over and look for what is called the “field patch”. This is the part of the melon that sat on the ground as it grew. If the patch is pale, white, or nonexistent, then the watermelon may not be a good choice. You want the field patch to be a darker yellow in color, as this means that it is probably a ripe melon.
- If you are deciding between two watermelons, simply pick them up. The heavier the melon, the higher the likelihood that it is ripe.
- You should also pick the watermelon that is a darker green in color and dull. If the rind is shiny, it may not have had enough time to mature on the vine.
So now you know how to pick a watermelon, how do you prepare it?
- Start by washing the surface of your melon to remove any dirt that has accumulated from farm to store.
- Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the ends off of the melon so it is able to stand upright on its own.
- Cut watermelon in half, then scoop out with a spoon (kids can help) or cut into wedges or bite-size pieces.
- Place the cut watermelon into a container that can be sealed and placed in the refrigerator. This will keep for 3-5 days.
- Store watermelon away from the back of the refrigerator so it doesn’t try to freeze. If you don’t think your family will eat the whole watermelon, freeze half of the cut pieces so you can make a refreshing smoothie or slushie on another day.
- Check the watermelon to make sure it has not gone bad before you eat it. Sliminess and a bad odor are sure signs that it has gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out!
Check out the recipes below for one just one way to enjoy this delicious fruit!
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