This yellow spot on your watermelon tells you how sweet it is

Summer has a way of draining you. The heat builds through the day and by afternoon you find yourself reaching for something cold, light and refreshing. That is where watermelon steps in. Few fruits cool the body and lift the mood the way a good, juicy slice can.

Walk into any market now and you will see piles of watermelons in different sizes and shades. They often look similar on the outside, which makes choosing a sweet one feel like a gamble. A few small checks can make all the difference.

• Start with the field spot
  Look for the pale yellow patch on one side of the fruit. This is called the field spot, the place where the melon rested on the ground while it ripened. If this patch is creamy yellow, the fruit has had enough time to mature and is likely to be sweet. If it is white or very light, the melon was picked too early and may taste bland.
• Use your nose
  A ripe watermelon gives off a faint, pleasant sweetness when you smell it. It is not overpowering, but it is there. If you cannot detect any aroma at all, the fruit is probably underripe. A stronger, fresh smell usually points to better flavour.
• Check the skin and feel
  Watermelon rind is thick, but a ripe one will not feel rock hard. Press gently with your fingers. There should be a slight give. If the surface feels too firm and resistant, it may not be fully ripe. Also look for a dull finish rather than a shiny one. Dull skin often signals maturity.
• Lift it up
  A good watermelon feels heavy for its size. That weight comes from high water content, which usually means juicier flesh. If two melons look similar, pick the heavier one.
• Listen to the sound
  Give it a light tap. A ripe watermelon produces a deep, hollow sound. A flat or dull thud can mean the inside is dense or overripe.

What about other varieties like Kiran
Not all watermelons look the same, and varieties such as Kiran, which are popular in parts of India, can differ slightly in appearance and taste.

Kiran watermelons tend to have a more uniform green rind and are known for their consistent sweetness. With these, the field spot may not always be very prominent, so rely more on weight and sound. A heavy Kiran melon with a deep hollow knock is usually a safe bet.

Some seedless varieties can also feel firmer on the outside even when ripe. In such cases, smell and weight become better indicators than pressing the skin.

Mini watermelons, which are smaller and often sold as single-serve fruits, should feel dense and have a clearly defined yellow spot. Avoid ones that feel too light for their size.

Storing cut watermelon the right way
Once you cut a watermelon, keeping it fresh becomes tricky. It tends to lose moisture and spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.

A simple trick often suggested in home kitchens is to place a couple of peeled garlic cloves on the cut surface, wrap the fruit tightly and refrigerate it. The idea is that garlic may help slow bacterial growth for a short while. While this can work as a temporary fix, it is best used with caution as it can slightly affect the smell of the fruit.

A more reliable method is to cover the cut surface with cling film or store the pieces in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator and consume within a day or two for the best taste and safety.

A good watermelon does not ask for much. Chill it, slice it and let it do its job. Pay a little attention while buying and you will not have to second guess what is on your plate. When the right one comes home, every bite feels like a small escape from the heat.