It seems like everyone has a rule of thumb for finding the best watermelon\u2014a butter-colored \"belly,\" a dull skin, plenty of brown scars and so on. But regardless of your method, we'd like to recommend doing this experiment, too.<\/p>\r\nFirst, pick up a watermelon. It should be surprisingly heavy for its size, whether it's large or small!\r\n\r\nThe idea is that watermelons are 92% water, so a heavier watermelon should be juicy, sweet and ready to eat. But don't stop at the first melon. You'll want to pick up one or two more melons, and see whether those\u00a0<\/em>are heavy, too. Be sure to take home the heaviest of the bunch.\r\n\r\nAnother handy tip is to check the underside of the watermelon for a golden yellow spot, called the field spot. This is the part where the watermelon touched the ground while growing, and if it's light or white, it definitely hasn't reached peak ripeness yet.\r\n Peak watermelon season is upon us! When looking for the perfect melon, there are a couple details that will help you pick a winner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7006,"featured_media":974865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[303838,303797],"categories-v2":[308448,308432],"coauthors":[145940],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"long_pin":"","ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_moat_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false},"yoast_head":"\nHow to Tell If Watermelon Is Ripe<\/h2>\r\nYou can do the weight test along with other melon methods. Next time you're at the market or grocery store, remember these tell-tale signs of a ripe watermelon:\r\n
\r\n \t
<\/a><\/div>Frosty Watermelon Ice<\/a>Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. \u2014Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Pie<\/a>This cool and refreshing no-bake dessert features juicy watermelon and a creamy filling. It\u2019s perfect for hot summer days.
<\/a><\/div>Zippy Shrimp Skewers<\/a>These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. \u2014Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
<\/a><\/div>Tangy Watermelon Salad<\/a>The refreshing blend of watermelon, red onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a chance to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. \u2014Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma
<\/a><\/div>Juicy Watermelon Salad<\/a>This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. \u2014Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
<\/a><\/div>Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa<\/a>The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. \u2014Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon and Spinach Salad<\/a>Summer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. \u2014Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
<\/a><\/div>Mojito Marinated Fruit<\/a>All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you\u2019ll want to sip the luscious syrup! \u2014Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Tomato Salad<\/a>Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. \u2014Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
<\/a><\/div>Strawberry Watermelon Slush<\/a>We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. \u2014Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
<\/a><\/div>Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad<\/a>I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. \u2014Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Gazpacho<\/a>Refreshing watermelon gazpacho is the perfect summertime soup. Once you add this light yet elegant meal to your recipe rotation, you can try endless variations to make it your own.
<\/a><\/div>Contest-Winning Watermelon Salsa<\/a>I entered this recipe in a local fair, and it took first place! This is one of my favorite dishes because all the ingredients (except for the lime juice) came directly from my garden and beehives. \u2014Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington
<\/a><\/div>Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup<\/a>This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. \u2014Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
<\/a><\/div>Strawberry Watermelon Lemonade<\/a>The nutrition department at my local hospital inspired me to create this refreshing summer sipper. I tweaked their recipe slightly to create this drink full of sweet-tart flavor. \u2014Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Melon-Berry Salad<\/a>The best way to cool down on a warm day is with a chilled fruit salad. Serve this one for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Yogurt and coconut milk make the creamy dressing even more decadent. Wait until just before serving to garnish the salad. Otherwise the toasted coconut will get soggy. \u2014Carrie Hirsch, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Cups<\/a>This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. \u2014Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
<\/a><\/div>Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts<\/a>These fruit tarts are so refreshing on a hot summer day! They are extremely healthy and convenient, and just a few ingredients means they're easy to make, too. \u2014Bethany DiCarlo, Harleysville, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Mixed Fruit with Lemon-Basil Dressing<\/a>A slightly savory dressing really complements the sweet fruit in this recipe. I also use the dressing on salad greens. \u2014Dixie Terry, Goreville, Illinois
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Feta Flag Salad<\/a>Our family celebrates the Fourth of July with a watermelon salad that resembles the flag. Here\u2019s an all-American centerpiece that\u2019s truly red, white and blue. \u2014Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Sorbet<\/a>This three-ingredient watermelon sorbet is so tasty, you won't be able to keep enough watermelon on hand to match the demand. No ice cream maker needed!
<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Spritzer<\/a>It couldn\u2019t get much easier than this bright spritzer! \u201cWatermelon blended with limeade is cool and refreshing. It\u2019s a wonderful thirst-quencher on a hot summer day.\u201d \u2014Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
<\/a><\/div>
Frosty Watermelon Ice<\/a><\/h2>Here's a fun twist on watermelon. It's so refreshing on a summer day, and you don't have to worry about seeds while you're enjoying it. \u2014Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia
<\/a><\/div>
Watermelon Pie<\/a><\/h2>This cool and refreshing no-bake dessert features juicy watermelon and a creamy filling. It\u2019s perfect for hot summer days.
<\/a><\/div>
Zippy Shrimp Skewers<\/a><\/h2>These flavorful skewers deliver a mouthwatering kick with minimal effort. Fix them for your next party and watch them disappear. \u2014Jalayne Luckett, Marion, Illinois
<\/a><\/div>
Tangy Watermelon Salad<\/a><\/h2>The refreshing blend of watermelon, red onions and a splash of citrus always does me proud at picnics and potlucks. I like to prepare it a day ahead so the flavors have a chance to blend, and I use the rind as a colorful serving bowl. If you're short on time, simply substitute any bottled citrus vinaigrette. \u2014Alisha Duncan, Blanchard, Oklahoma
<\/a><\/div>
Juicy Watermelon Salad<\/a><\/h2>This fruit salad has such a surprising yet fabulous mix of flavors that friends often ask for the recipe. Combine seedless watermelon varieties in yellow, red and pink for a colorful twist. \u2014Heidi Haight, Macomb, Michigan
<\/a><\/div>
Ancho Garlic Steaks with Summer Salsa<\/a><\/h2>The first time I tasted this, I was amazed how well the blueberries and watermelon went with the peppery steak. Use whatever fruits are in season so you can serve this anytime. \u2014Veronica Callaghan, Glastonbury, Connecticut
<\/a><\/div>
Watermelon and Spinach Salad<\/a><\/h2>Summer's the perfect time to toss up this watermelon salad. You'd never expect it, but spinach is awesome here. Eat it and feel cool on even the hottest days. \u2014Marjorie Au, Honolulu, Hawaii
<\/a><\/div>
Mojito Marinated Fruit<\/a><\/h2>All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you\u2019ll want to sip the luscious syrup! \u2014Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota
<\/a><\/div>
Watermelon Tomato Salad<\/a><\/h2>Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. \u2014Matthew Denton, Seattle, Washington
<\/a><\/div>
Strawberry Watermelon Slush<\/a><\/h2>We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. \u2014Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana
<\/a><\/div>
Yellow Squash & Watermelon Salad<\/a><\/h2>I always like to bring this healthy option to parties and potlucks, and people seem to really appreciate that. No oil is necessary for this salad; the lemon juice combines with the feta to lightly coat the bright, fresh ingredients. \u2014Camille Parker, Chicago, Illinois
<\/a><\/div>
Watermelon Gazpacho<\/a><\/h2>Refreshing watermelon gazpacho is the perfect summertime soup. Once you add this light yet elegant meal to your recipe rotation, you can try endless variations to make it your own.
<\/a><\/div>
Contest-Winning Watermelon Salsa<\/a><\/h2>I entered this recipe in a local fair, and it took first place! This is one of my favorite dishes because all the ingredients (except for the lime juice) came directly from my garden and beehives. \u2014Carolyn Butterfield, Lake Stevens, Washington
<\/a><\/div>
Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup<\/a><\/h2>This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. \u2014Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas