The Sweet Truth: How-to Tips for Finding the Best Watermelon, Muskmelon, and Other Desirable Juicy Fruits
When summer is around the corner, our appetites for cool fruits like watermelon, muskmelon, and other juicy fruits get stronger. Yet, picking the right fruit becomes a difficult endeavor, particularly if you don't know what to check. Follow some tips and tricks by a professional, and you'll never go wrong with picking the most succulent and sweet fruits every time.
The Art of Picking a Sweet Watermelon
When it comes to watermelons, shape and size are not the only deciding factors. To get a sweet and juicy one, simply follow these easy steps:
Check the Yellow Spot: A ripe watermelon will have a creamy yellow or white spot on the bottom, which is where it sat on the ground while ripening. Steer clear of watermelons with pale green or white skin, as they might not be ripe yet.
Check the Stem: A brown and dry stem is a reliable indicator of a ripe watermelon. If the stem is moist or green, it is possibly not ready for consumption.
Give it a Thump: The thumped sound of a ripe watermelon will be deep and hollow. Try to avoid those with a tinny or metallic sound since they could be either unripe or overripe.
Check for Symmetry: A symmetrical watermelon will be sweeter and have a better texture.
Muskmelon: The Sweet and Musky Treat
Muskmelons, or cantaloupes, are a favorite summer fruit with a sweet and musky taste. To select the ideal muskmelon:
Check the Netting: A ripe muskmelon will have a prominent, raised netting pattern on its surface. Avoid melons with minimal or no netting.
Give it a Sniff: Ripe muskmelons have a sweet, musky smell. If it doesn't have a strong smell, it might not be ripe yet.
Look for Softness: A ripe muskmelon will be slightly soft to the touch, particularly at the stem end. Don't choose melons that are too hard or too soft.
Tips for Choosing Other Juicy Fruits
While watermelons and muskmelons are favorite summer fruits, there are plenty of other juicy treats to try. These are some tips for selecting other fruits in general:
Honeydew Melons: For a sweet, slightly yielding nose and creamy white or yellow skin.
Pineapples: Select pineapples with a sweet, tropical smell and slightly yielding shell.
Grapes: Select grapes with a sweet, slightly firm texture and deep, rich color.
In summary, selecting the ideal fruit involves a blend of eye examination, touch tests, and sensory analysis. With these tips and tricks from professionals, you'll be well on your way to picking the sweetest and juiciest fruits each time. Enjoy fruit shopping!