{"id":1036,"date":"2026-06-25T09:51:46","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T13:51:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/?p=1036"},"modified":"2026-06-25T09:51:46","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T13:51:46","slug":"how-to-pick-a-ripe-watermelon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/2026\/06\/how-to-pick-a-ripe-watermelon\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR-791x1024.png\" alt=\"UGA Extension educational graphic titled &quot;How to Pick a Ripe Watermelon,&quot; featuring a whole watermelon with a yellow field spot and information on identifying ripeness through color, weight, sound, and appearance.\" class=\"wp-image-818\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR-791x1024.png 791w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR-768x994.png 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR-1187x1536.png 1187w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Sheet-ANR.png 1236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>By Ross Greene, UGA Extension ANR Agent and Ashleigh Geurin, UGA Extension FACS Agent \u2013 Candler and Evans Counties<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As summer rolls into Southeast Georgia, it brings with it one of the most anticipated harvests of the season<strong>:\u00a0watermelons. <\/strong>Whether you\u2019re a backyard gardener, a roadside market shopper, or browsing the produce aisle at the local grocery store, knowing how to pick a ripe, sweet watermelon is a skill worth having.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Picking the Perfect Watermelon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a good watermelon can be tricky, especially when you can\u2019t see the inside. According to the University of Georgia Extension\u2019s\u00a0<em>Commercial Watermelon Production<\/em>\u00a0guide, the key to quality lies in\u00a0<strong>field maturity<\/strong>. A watermelon won\u2019t get any sweeter after it\u2019s harvested, so it\u2019s important to pick a ripe one the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Commercial growers use tools like\u00a0<strong>hand-held refractometers<\/strong>\u00a0to check internal sugar levels. If samples from the center of several melons show 10% or more sugar content, the field is typically considered ready for harvest. But if you don\u2019t have a refractometer in your back pocket, don\u2019t worry; there are simple clues you can use:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the tendril<\/strong>: Look for the curly \u201cpigtail\u201d nearest where the melon was attached to the vine. If it\u2019s brown and dried up, that\u2019s a good sign of ripeness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Look at the ground spot<\/strong>: The underside of the melon (where it sat on the ground) should be a\u00a0<strong>creamy yellow<\/strong>\u00a0color. If it\u2019s pale green or white, it\u2019s likely underripe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use the thump test<\/strong>: Tap the melon with your knuckles. A ripe melon gives off a\u00a0<strong>dull, hollow sound<\/strong>, while an unripe one sounds high-pitched or metallic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inspect the rind<\/strong>: For striped varieties like\u00a0<strong>Crimson Sweet<\/strong>, the dark green bands often begin to break up near the blossom end when ripe. On\u00a0<strong>Charleston Gray<\/strong>\u00a0melons, ripeness may cause ribbed indentations along the rind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Feel the weight<\/strong>: A good watermelon should feel\u00a0<strong>heavy for its size<\/strong>, indicating high water content and juiciness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check the finish<\/strong>:\u00a0<strong>Dull skin<\/strong>\u00a0is a good sign. Shiny melons tend to be underripe.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These tips work just as well at the grocery store even if you can\u2019t inspect the tendril. Look for the ground spot, use the thump test, and pick a melon that feels heavy and has a dull rind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Watermelons: Health Benefits and Nutritional Facts <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"791\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-791x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-820\" srcset=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-791x1024.png 791w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-232x300.png 232w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-768x994.png 768w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-1187x1536.png 1187w, https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet.png 1236w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 791px) 100vw, 791px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Watermelon isn\u2019t just a refreshing summertime snack; it\u2019s also packed with\u00a0<strong>nutrients and health benefits<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rich in\u00a0<strong>lycopene<\/strong>, a phytonutrient linked to reducing blood pressure and supporting heart health.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A good source of\u00a0<strong>vitamin A<\/strong>\u00a0(eye health and immune function) and\u00a0<strong>vitamin C<\/strong>\u00a0(wound healing and immunity).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composed of\u00a0<strong>92% water<\/strong>, making it naturally low in\u00a0<strong>fat, calories, sodium, and cholesterol<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Contains natural sugars and carbohydrates, so portion control is important for individuals managing\u00a0<strong>blood sugar or carbohydrate intake<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Food Safety Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Watermelon is generally safe, but like all produce, it should be handled carefully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash your\u00a0<strong>hands<\/strong>, the\u00a0<strong>outside of the melon<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>cutting surfaces<\/strong>\u00a0before slicing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use clean knives and cutting boards to avoid cross-contamination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve freshly cut melon\u00a0<strong>immediately<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>refrigerate it<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Never leave cut watermelon out<\/strong>\u00a0at room temperature for more than\u00a0<strong>two <\/strong>hours or for\u00a0<strong>one hour if the temperature exceeds 90\u00b0F<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When buying\u00a0<strong>pre-cut watermelon<\/strong>, make sure it has been kept on\u00a0<strong>ice or refrigerated<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re picking melons from a patch in&nbsp;<strong>Metter<\/strong>,&nbsp;<strong>Claxton<\/strong>, or buying from a roadside stand on your way to the river, using these simple tips will help ensure your watermelon is&nbsp;<strong>crisp, sweet, and safe to enjoy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on watermelon maturity, nutrition, or food safety, contact:<br><strong>Candler County Extension Office<\/strong>: 912-685-2408<br><strong>Evans County Extension Office<\/strong>: 912-739-1292<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Printable resources are available for download below <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><object data=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Fact-Sheet-ANR-Evans.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\"><\/object><a href=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Ripe-Watermelon-Fact-Sheet-ANR-Evans.pdf\"> Watermelon Resource ANR &#8220;How to Select a Ripe Watermelon&#8221; <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><object data=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-Evans.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\"><\/object><a href=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-FACS-Info-Sheet-Evans.pdf\">Watermelon Resource FACS &#8220;Tips, Facts, &amp; Recipes&#8221; <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><object data=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-Fact-Sheet-FACS-ANR-Evans.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\"><\/object><a href=\"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/files\/2025\/07\/Watermelon-Fact-Sheet-FACS-ANR-Evans.pdf\">Watermelon Resource Combo Front Back Sheet FACS &amp; ANR <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Ross Greene, UGA Extension ANR Agent and Ashleigh Geurin, UGA Extension FACS Agent \u2013 Candler and Evans Counties As summer rolls into Southeast Georgia, it brings with it one of the most anticipated harvests of the season:\u00a0watermelons. Whether you\u2019re a backyard gardener, a roadside market shopper, or browsing the produce aisle at the local [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":324,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1036","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-watermelon"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/324"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1036"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1044,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1036\/revisions\/1044"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1036"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1036"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/site.extension.uga.edu\/evansag\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1036"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}