Dark skin, a sign of maturity
Another clue that doesn’t lie: the texture and appearance of the skin. Dull, slightly rough skin is often a sign that the fruit is ripe.On the contrary, a watermelon that looks very smooth and shiny is generally not yet fully ripe. Also remember to check that there are no bumps or suspicious spots: a firm and uniform skin is ideal.
The tapping test (yes, it works!)
This is a grandmother’s trick that still works very well: gently tap the fruit with your palm or fingers.
If you hear a hollow, vibrating sound , bingo! This means the flesh is juicy.
On the other hand, a dull or muffled sound could indicate that the fruit is overripe… or even mushy.
These mysterious veins are good news
Have you noticed small brownish cracks or irregular lines on the surface? Don’t worry: these marks, sometimes called veins , are often a sign of a high sugar concentration . And therefore of a very sweet and tasty fruit!
They actually demonstrate effective pollination , which promotes richness in taste.
The tail: a detail that says a lot
