Have you ever wondered how to pick out a good watermelon at the grocery store? It’s easy! The next time you’re at the store, just remember this simple phrase: Look, Lift, Turn.
- Look the watermelon over. Look for a firm watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.
- Lift the watermelon up. At 92% water, the watermelon should be heavy for its size.
- Turn the watermelon over. Look for a creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon (called the “ground spot”). This is where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.
Enjoy!
Comments
Hi there, I enjoy reading through your article.
Last year was better for melons. This year I have not found a good one, not even a good black diamond melon. They tend to be fully ripe, but no sweetness or flavor at all. So bland I end up either juicing them or just tossing them out. I have tried all varieties available here, even the small seedless ones. Do seeded melons tend to be sweeter? I live in Phoenix, Arizona and shop at Safeway and Fry’s. What’s going on with the watermelon farmers? Any suggestions as to where I can get a sweet melon?
I have to agree with you. I’ve bought 7 watermelons this year from different stores and also different varieties. I’ve had the same results in about 5 of the 7. The exact same thing you described. They look well ripened but when I cut into them no taste and no sweetness. This was the last brand I bought figuring I’ve not tried them before. And once again disappointed. 2026 has been terrible for watermelon. I mean at $6.99 each I can’t afford to keep throwing money away. Companies aren’t losing out just the end customers are. I’m going to give up and try again next year.
We’re sorry to hear you’ve had such disappointing experiences this season. While the National Watermelon Promotion Board doesn’t track the quality or varieties available at individual retailers, we certainly understand how frustrating it is to bring home a watermelon that doesn’t meet your expectations.
While there’s no guarantee that seeded watermelons are sweeter than seedless varieties, sweetness and flavor can vary from melon to melon based on growing conditions and harvest timing. We recommend using the Look, Lift, Turn method to choose a ripe watermelon, and if possible, trying a different retailer, local farm stand, or farmers market, where you may find fruit from a different growing region.
If a watermelon you purchase is consistently lacking in quality, we also encourage you to let the store know. Most retailers appreciate the feedback and may be willing to replace or refund your purchase.
We hope your next watermelon is the sweet, flavorful one you’re looking for!
Having read this I thought it was really informative.
I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this
informative article together. I once again find myself
personally spending a lot of time both reading and posting comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
Just wondering why my seedless watermelon has seeds. Black seeds. Thank you.
The small white “seeds” in a seedless watermelon are actually just empty seed coats. They will never produce seeds, although seedless watermelons may contain a couple fully developed, hard, dark brown seeds.
Appreciate the recommendation. Let me try it out.
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WATERMELON😍😍😍😍😍
I ❤️ watermelon
This site is just so helpful, for years I’ve struggled with choosing the perfect watermelon. But now I know exactly how and when to choose the perfect watermelon.
Hello, Ben Dover.
I too am one to agree with this comment as I have also struggled with picking the right watermelon!
Happy Watermelon Picking Ben!
looking forward to the first shipment to reach the northeast!