How to tell if a watermelon is ripe in the grocery store

Look at the Belly

Watermelons have an underside, or belly—which is in contact with the ground throughout its growth—called a "field spot." This spot on a ripe watermelon will be yellowish (sometimes referred to as "buttery") and not white, which indicates an unripe melon.

Thump It

Using your knuckles, rap on the middle of the watermelon while holding it up to your ear, or flick it with your finger. A ripe watermelon will have a hollow sound when knocked, which sounds more like a "plunk" than a "thwack." An unripe watermelon will have more of a higher-pitched sound, while an overripe one will make a "thud" or a lower-pitched sound.

Ripe watermelon images

Learning the difference between the sounds takes a bit of practice. You can also ask a melon grower at your local farmer's market, or the produce manager at the grocery store, to demonstrate it for you so you can hear it for yourself.

Take a Whiff

Pick up the watermelon, carry it a little bit away from the rest of the melons, and give it a good sni

when is a watermelon ready to pick from the vine

when is a watermelon ready to pick off the vine