Nothing beats the refreshing and hydrating taste of watermelon during the scorching summer months. Packed with vitamins and high water content, this fruit helps keep your body cool. However, selecting a perfectly ripe and delicious watermelon can be tricky. Here are some expert tips to help you choose the best one.

Tips to select a ripe watermelon

1. Check the weight
Hold two similar-sized watermelons in your hands. The heavier one is likely juicier and more refreshing.

2. Tap for sound
Gently tap on the outer rind:

  • A deep, hollow sound indicates ripeness.
  • A high-pitched sound suggests it isn’t ripe yet.
  • A flat sound means it's overripe.
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3. Smell test

  • A sweet aroma signals that the watermelon is perfectly ripe.
  • No smell? It may not be ripe yet.
  • An overly strong fragrance suggests it is past its prime.

4. Press the rind
While watermelon rinds are generally firm, a ripe one will yield slightly when you press it with your finger. If it’s too hard, it's not ready.

5. Examine the rind colour

  • A mix of dark and light green hues indicates ripeness.
  • Yellow spots show the fruit is ready to eat.
  • White spots mean it was picked too early and might not be sweet.

How to store watermelon for lasting freshness

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Whole watermelon storage

  • If you don’t plan to cut it immediately, store the whole watermelon at room temperature in a cool, dark place.
  • Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the fruit to over-ripen quickly.
Watermelon slices. Photo: Shutterstock/kungfu01
Watermelon slices. Photo: Shutterstock/kungfu01

Sliced watermelon storage

  • Wrap in plastic. Cover leftover slices with plastic wrap before refrigerating.
  • Alternatively, cut them into small pieces and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Keep the rind on
Leaving the rind intact helps prevent nutrient loss and keeps the fruit from drying out.

  • Refrigerating
    Avoid storing with apples and bananas
  • Apples and bananas release ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening and can cause watermelon to spoil faster. Keep them separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing for long-term storage

  • Remove the rind and cut the watermelon into medium-sized chunks.
  • Store the pieces in airtight containers or freezer bags.
  • Frozen watermelon can last for 6–8 months, though the texture may change.
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