Shopping, Selecting and Storing Watermelon

Watermelon is a summer fruit but depending where you live you may be able to pick up fresh watermelon at your local farmers’ market any time between May and September. No worries if you can’t get farm-fresh watermelon near you since it is typically available year-round at most grocery stores.

But, how do you choose the perfect watermelon? There’s nothing worse than bringing home fresh watermelon, taking that first bite anticipating sweet, juicy watermelon only to realize you picked a mealy and mushy “dud!”  Hopefully these tips will help you avoid this particular “melon-choly” (Hyuck!) so that you can pick the perfect watermelon – let’s say, one that is one in a “melon” (double hyuck!).  Some people swear by the ‘thumping or tapping’ method when searching for the best watermelon, but it’s hard to quantify ‘a deep thump’ when searching for a good watermelon.  Instead, when choosing a ripe watermelon, look for a creamy yellow (or even orange-yellow), not white, field spot.  This discolored yellow spot on the rind where it sat on the ground indicates that the fruit fully ripened in the sun before being picked.  Look for fruit that is firm and symmetrical, with a dull (not shiny) rind, absent of dents or bruises.  A melon with rounder, as opposed to elongated shape, is usually sweeter.  Also, choose a melon that is heavy for its size, which indicates a higher water content, and subsequently a sweeter watermelon.  If the tail is green, it likely indicates that the watermelon was picked too soon when it was underripe – a dried tail is better.  Also, look for brown webbing on the watermelon.  This is an indication that bees touched the pollinating parts of the flower many times and of course, the more pollination, the sweeter the fruit!

After bringing watermelon home, keep uncut watermelon on the counter at room temperature.  Store watermelon in a cool, dark place to extend shelf life for up to two weeks.  After cutting, the best way to store watermelon is in the fridge in an airtight container (use within 5 days).  If purchasing a whole watermelon is too much for you, take “heart”, this fruit is often large enough that grocers will sell cut watermelon in halves or quarters, though the cost may be higher. If you buy a whole watermelon and can’t finish it, you could also use it in numerous watermelon recipes or add it to salads, salsa, or gazpacho along your favorite veggies. You can also make watermelon juice and there are even loads of ways to eat the watermelon rind!

Alternatively, if you do find yourself with a surplus, you can always freeze watermelon.  To do this simply cube the fruit (or ball it), remove seeds, spread the pieces on a lined baking sheet (making sure none of them are touching) and pop it in the freezer for a few hours until they are frozen solid (about 2 hours).  Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.  Make sure to leave some headspace in case the watermelon expands (it is 91% water after-all)! Use within 6 to 12 months.  Frozen watermelon works great for making smoothies, popsicles, sorbet, or ice cream and is a great way to make any day of the year feel like a summer day even if you can’t eat watermelon by the slice!