Recognize the ripeness of the fruit by the color
Before watermelons end up on the fruit shelves in local supermarkets, they are usually transported over long distances from the following countries:
- Spain
- Iran
- Turkey
- Israel
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Since a few days or weeks can pass during the transport, fruits that are not yet fully ripe are sometimes harvested. A glossy green color indicates that watermelons are unripe, while a dull green with web-like yellow components indicates advanced ripeness. A yellow spot on one side of the watermelon shows whether the melon was harvested sufficiently ripe. This is by no means a quality defect, but forms at the contact point of the watermelon on the ground when it is completely ripe.
The sonic knock test for watermelons
When knocking on a watermelon, experts in watermelon growing pay attention not only to the sound, but also to the exact echo of the impact vibrations. Basically, the relative severity compared to the size of the watermelon also indicates the degree of ripeness. If you find one specimen heavier than another among watermelons of the same size, then it is the most ripe specimen. Tap the peel of the watermelon with your hand and listen for the exact sound. If this looks rather dull and light, it should be a ripe fruit. A very dark and full sound, on the other hand, indicates a lack of maturity.
Determine the ripeness of watermelons in your own garden
If the watermelons have grown directly in your garden or in the greenhouse, you can use additional indicators to determine the degree of ripeness. When the fruits begin to ripen, the ends of the stems develop slight cracks. In addition, leaves that wilt without frost or drought are an indication that the watermelons are ready for harvest.
Tips & Tricks
If you buy watermelons in the supermarket, you should buy the symmetrically shaped and even fruits. Dents in the otherwise regular shape indicate a temporary undersupply of the plants with water or nutrients.
