How to Pick Watermelon: 6 Tips to Get the Ripe One

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits in the world. It is sweet, juicy, and refreshing. But many people do not know how to pick watermelon correctly. Choosing the wrong one can leave you with a fruit that is bland, dry, or not fully ripe.

Summer is the best time to enjoy watermelon. You can find it at most grocery stores, markets, and roadside stalls. A good watermelon can make a simple day feel special. The problem is, most watermelons look the same on the outside, so it can be hard to tell which one is good.

In this article, we will share some tips on how to pick watermelon that is ripe. We will also talk about how to store it correctly, how to cut it, and how to use it. We gathered the information from various sources, Thursday (23/4/2026).

Picking a good watermelon is easier than you think. Once you know what to look for, you can confidently choose a ripe and sweet one every time. Here are the most important tips on how to pick watermelon at the store or market.

1. Look for a Field Spot: A field spot is a yellow or cream-colored patch on one side of the watermelon. This is where the fruit rested on the ground while it was growing. A deep yellow field spot means the watermelon had more time to ripen. A white or very pale spot means it was picked too early.

2. Check the Shape: Choose a watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape. Bumps, dents, or an uneven shape can mean the fruit did not grow well. It may have had problems with water or sunlight during growth.

3. Feel the Weight: Pick up the watermelon and feel how heavy it is. A ripe watermelon is mostly water inside, so it should feel heavy for its size. If it feels light, the inside may be dry or not fully developed.

4. Tap It and Listen: Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles or the palm of your hand. A ripe watermelon makes a deep, hollow sound. An unripe one sounds more flat or dull. This is one of the oldest and most trusted tricks.

5. Look at the Stem: If the watermelon still has its stem attached, check its color. A dry, brown, or curled stem is a good sign. It means the fruit was allowed to ripen fully before it was picked. A green stem usually means it was harvested too early.

6. Check the Skin: The surface of the watermelon should be firm and dull, not shiny. A shiny skin can mean the fruit is not yet ripe. The skin should also be hard and difficult to scratch with your fingernail.

A whole, uncut watermelon can stay fresh for a long time if you store it correctly. Keep a whole watermelon at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. It can last up to two weeks this way. Do not put a whole watermelon in the refrigerator right away, because cold temperatures can affect its texture and flavor if it has not been cut yet.

Once you cut the watermelon, things are different. You should wrap the cut side tightly with plastic wrap or put the pieces in an airtight container. Then place it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. Cut watermelon stays fresh in the fridge for about three to five days. After that, the texture starts to soften and the taste begins to fade.

If you want to keep watermelon for a longer time, you can freeze it. Cut the flesh into cubes or balls and spread them on a tray lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for a few hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Frozen watermelon can last up to eight months and works great in smoothies and cold drinks.

Getting the right cut starts with the right preparation. Here is how to cut watermelon into three different shapes depending on how you want to serve it.

How to Cut Watermelon Into Cubes

1. Wash the watermelon skin with clean water and place it on a stable cutting board.

2. Cut the watermelon in half lengthwise using a large, sharp knife.

3. Place one half flat side down on the cutting board.

4. Slice it into long strips from top to bottom.

5. Turn the strips and cut them the other way to make even cubes.

6. Remove any seeds you see before serving or storing.

How to Cut Watermelon in Wedge Shape

1. Wash the watermelon and place it on a stable cutting board.

2. Cut the whole watermelon in half crosswise.

3. Place one half flat side down on the cutting board.

4. Cut it into equal slices, like you would cut a round cake.

5. Each slice is now a wedge shape, ready to serve by hand.

How to Cut Watermelon Into Balls

1. Wash the watermelon and cut it in half using a sharp knife.

2. Get a melon baller, which is a small round kitchen tool used for scooping.

3. Press the melon baller firmly into the flesh of the watermelon.

4. Twist it gently in a full circle to scoop out a clean, round ball.

5. Repeat across the surface of the watermelon until you have the amount you need.

6. Place the balls on a serving plate or store them in an airtight container.

Watermelon is very flexible in the kitchen. You can eat it plain, or you can use it in many creative ways. Here are some popular and easy ideas to enjoy watermelon beyond just eating a slice.

1. Make a Fresh Fruit Salad: Combine watermelon cubes with other fruits like mango, strawberry, and kiwi. Add a squeeze of lime juice and a few mint leaves. This is a light and healthy dish that is perfect for hot days.

2. Blend It Into a Smoothie or Juice: Put watermelon pieces into a blender with some ice. Blend until smooth. You can drink it plain or mix it with coconut water, pineapple juice, or a splash of lemon. It is naturally sweet, so you do not need to add sugar.

3. Make a Watermelon Salad With Savory Ingredients: Watermelon pairs well with salty flavors. Try combining watermelon cubes with feta cheese, fresh cucumber, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil. This is a popular dish in Mediterranean cooking and is both refreshing and satisfying.

4. Freeze It Into Popsicles: Blend watermelon flesh until smooth and pour it into popsicle molds. Add a wooden stick and freeze overnight. These homemade popsicles are a healthy treat with no artificial ingredients, and kids and adults both love them.

5. Add It to a Cold Drink: Drop a few small watermelon cubes into a glass of water, lemonade, or sparkling water. The fruit slowly infuses the drink with a light, sweet flavor. It also makes the drink look colorful and inviting.

6. Grill It for a Smoky Flavor: Cut watermelon into thick rectangular slices. Place them on a hot grill for one to two minutes on each side. Grilled watermelon has a slightly smoky and caramelized taste that is completely different from raw watermelon. It is a unique dish that surprises many people.