How To Pick Out a Good Watermelon

A friend of mine on Facebook posted how frustrated she was paying $8 for a seedless watermelon that wasn't even good.  I didn't want Gina to lose her mind so I decided to help the poor girl.

Ever since I was a kid, watermelons were always "the sign" that Summer is here.  I'm even trying to grow my own this year, giving it plenty of water.  Watermelons with seeds are always my favorite because I feel they are sweeter, but when it comes down to it, any watermelon is better than no watermelon.

My Mom, God bless her soul, would always do the thump test.  When you do this, be ready to get some strange looks at the grocery store or farmer's market, because you have to hold the large melon almost to your ear while you ping it. If the watermelon has a dull thud, it's very possible it is ripe.  Unripe melons usually have a hollow sound.  This method may not always work.

Color is another way to tell if your melon is ready to eat. Check out the bottom of the melon.  If it is white, it may not be ripe.  If it is yellow, you are mellow and you should be good to go.

According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board (hey, I want to work there!), look for "a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free of bruises, cuts or dents."

Sounds good to me.  Now I need to go shopping.