Tips for choosing ripe watermelons with red flesh, sweet, and paper-thin flesh

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Check out the stem. A dried-up, brown stem is a good sign. This means the watermelon is ripe. A green or fresh stem suggests it was picked too early. It won't be as sweet as it could be.

Variety Matters: Knowing Your Melons

Did you know there are different kinds of watermelons? Seedless and seeded are the basics. Flesh color also varies. Red, pink, and yellow options exist. Some varieties are sweeter than others. Do a little research to find your favorite.

Storing Your Prize: Preserving Freshness

You've picked the perfect watermelon! Now, how do you keep it fresh?

Whole Watermelon Storage: Cool and Dry

Store an uncut watermelon in a cool, dry place. Keep it away from direct sunlight. The ideal temperature is 50-60°F (10-15°C). A pantry or cool basement works well.

Cut Watermelon Storage: Refrigeration is Key

Cut watermelon needs refrigeration. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also store it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out. It also keeps it away from other fridge smells.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect watermelon doesn't have to be a gamble. Remember these tips: check the ground spot, look for webbing, listen for a hollow sound, feel for a heavy weight, and examine the stem. Now you're ready to find the sweetest, reddest, and thinnest-rind watermelons. Share your watermelon-picking wins (or fails!) in the comments below!