Watermelons are the quintessential summer fruit, but finding the perfect one can be a daunting task. With Josh Cortis’s method, you can become a watermelon-picking pro and ensure every melon you choose is sweet, juicy, and delicious. Here’s how to master the art of picking the perfect watermelon with five simple tests: The Type Test, The Knock Test, The Weight Test, The Field Spot Test, and The Webbing Test.
The Type Test: Choose Seeded Over Seedless
When you’re at the store, head straight for the bin of seeded watermelons. Seeded watermelons are generally more flavorful and tend to be oblong in shape, which is preferable. The oblong shape often indicates a larger, sweeter center. Avoid seedless varieties as they often still contain seeds and may not be as sweet.
The Knock Test: Listen for the Perfect Sound
A ripe watermelon will produce a deep, hollow sound when you knock on it. This sound should have a bit of reverb and should feel right to your ears. If the sound is dull or flat, the watermelon might be underripe or overripe. A good knock test helps you select a watermelon that is ripe and ready to eat.
The Weight Test: Heavier is Better
Pick up a few watermelons and compare their weights. A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is full of water and sugar. Heavier watermelons are typically juicier and sweeter. This test is crucial because a dense watermelon is more likely to be ripe and delicious.
The Field Spot Test: Look for a Creamy Yellow Spot
The field spot is where the watermelon rested on the ground. A good field spot should be creamy yellow or light orange, indicating that the melon had time to ripen on the vine. While this test is not foolproof, a prominent field spot often suggests a well-ripened watermelon.
The Webbing Test: Check for Brown Webbing
Brown, woody-looking spots on a watermelon, known as webbing, are signs of bee pollination. These scars indicate that the watermelon is likely to be sweet, as well-pollinated melons have higher sugar content. Although some debate exists about this test’s accuracy, webbed watermelons are usually a good choice.
By following these five tests, you can confidently select the best watermelons every time. Remember, a perfectly chosen watermelon will enhance your summer snacks and gatherings, providing sweet and refreshing enjoyment for everyone.
Watch Josh Cortis’s Full Method
For a detailed walkthrough and additional tips, check out Josh Cortis’s video: Josh Cortis’s Watermelon Picking Method
Master these tests, and you’ll never pick a bad watermelon again! If you have any tips or tricks for choosing watermelons, share them in the comments below. Happy picking!