PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Food and Entertaining
Food Preparation
Food Selection and Storage
How to Select a Watermelon Download Article Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano
Last Updated: August 7, 2025 Approved
Download Article
Selecting a Watermelon
|
Storing and Cutting Watermelon
|
Using Watermelon in Recipes
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 22 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 927,815 times.
Many people have no idea how to select a watermelon. They just knock on this over-sized fruit as if they know what they are doing. Although it can be difficult to know how ripe the interior is just by inspecting the outside, there are several clever tricks you can learn to help you pick the perfect watermelon.
Picking a Good Watermelon: Quick Guide
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Selecting a Watermelon
Download Article
1 Look for uniform shape. Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon free from bruises, cuts or dents. If the watermelon has any lumps or bumps, this may mean that it received irregular amounts of sunshine or water during growing, causing dryness or inconsistency.
2 Lift it up.The watermelon should be heavy for its size, as this indicates that it is full of water and therefore nice and ripe. Try comparing the weight of your watermelon with another of equal size - the heavier one will be the riper. This advice goes for most fruits and vegetables. Advertisement
3 Look for the field spot. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, known as the field spot. This is where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun, so the darker it is the better! This one is no wives' tale. If the field spot is white, or even nonexistent, this probably means that the watermelon was picked too soon, and will not be ripe.[1]XResearch source
4 Inspect the color. A perfect, ripe watermelon should be dark green in color and dull in appearance, rather than shiny. A shiny watermelon will usually be under ripe.
5 Try the tapping technique. The tapping technique can be a little hard to master, but many watermelon fans swear by it. Give the watermelon a firm grip with your knuckles and listen to the sound it makes. For a ripe melon, you want a full sound, more tenor than base. You do not want a dull or deep sound, as this means the watermelon is unripe.[2]XResearch source
6 Know what to look for when selecting pre-cut melon. If you're purchasing pre-cut watermelon, there are also certain things to look out for. Choose pieces with bright red flesh and dark brown or black seeds. Avoid pieces with white streaks and an abundance of white seeds. You should also steer clear if the flesh looks dried out or mealy, or is separating from the seeds.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Storing and Cutting Watermelon
Download Article
1 Store the watermelon correctly. A whole, uncut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, before it needs to be used. Remember to handle the watermelon carefully to avoid bruising.
Never store a watermelon below 40 °F (4 °C), as this causes chilling injury to the fruit.
If you wish to ripen your watermelon after purchase, keep it at room temperature for a couple of days. This will ripen the watermelon slightly, but not a huge amount - this is due to the fact that when a watermelon is picked too soon it will never fully ripen.
2 Cut the watermelon. To cut your watermelon into bite-size chunks, first place the watermelon on a chopping board and cut off the top and bottom using a sharp knife. This will allow you to securely stand the watermelon on one of the cut edges.
Run the blade of the knife down the sides of the watermelon, cutting the rind from the flesh. Next cut the watermelon into round disks, then cut the disks into 1-inch cubes.
If not using immediately, place the cut watermelon in a covered container and refrigerate. It will keep like this for 3 to 4 days.[4]XResearch source
3 Deseed the watermelon. If you would like to deseed a watermelon, simply cut the watermelon in half, then in quarters. Cut through the flesh of the melon along the seed line with a paring knife.
Now, lift off the piece you just cut out. Using a fork, scrape the seeds from the piece you just removed and from the remaining flesh on the rind.
This is perfect to dice up into chunks for a snack, use in salsa, mix into drinks or anything else you would use watermelon for.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Using Watermelon in Recipes
Download Article
1 Make watermelon salad. Watermelon is the perfect addition to a fresh salad, giving your lunch an added, juicy crunch. This recipe pairs watermelon with cucumbers, cashew nuts and feta cheese!
2 Make watermelon lemonade. Can you imagine anything more refreshing than a cold glass of watermelon-flavored lemonade on a hot summer's day? Use the sweetest watermelon you can find for best results!
3 Make watermelon donuts. Watermelon donuts aren't really donuts, they're just watermelon slices cut into the shape of donuts. Topped with sugar and slivered almonds, they make a delicious snack.
4 Make deep-fried watermelon. This tasty, but not-so-healthy treat is often served at county fairs and other events. Finished with some powdered sugar, it makes a decadently juicy treat!
5 Make watermelon-infused vodka. You can make a delicious, summery drink by infusing vodka with watermelon slices - serve over ice with a little juice for a perfect pink party drink!
Advertisement
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Should a watermelon sound hollow? Community Answer Yes. It should also feel heavy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 40
Question Should the stem be brown? Community Answer Yes. If the stem is green, it usually means the melon is not ripe or was harvested too early. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20
Question How do seedless watermelon reproduce, if there are no seeds to be planted? Shane Buelna Community Answer Artificially. Seedless watermelons are bred to be seedless and must be reproduced by artificial means such as cloning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 17
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
Hit it like a drum. It should sound hollow. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Check the yellow underside. The bigger and more clearly defined it is, the longer the watermelon has been on the ground, and on the vine ripening. Ripe = Sweet. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
You Might Also Like
How toChoose a MelonHow toTell when a Watermelon Is Ripe and Ready for PickingHow to Choose a Ripe Cantaloupe at the Store or Farmer’s MarketHow toChoose a Honeydew MelonHow Can You Tell If a Watermelon Is Bad? Key Signs to Look ForWhat Do Yellow Spots On or Inside a Watermelon Mean?How to Make a Cantaloupe Ripen Quickly (Plus, How to Tell If It’s Ripe)How toCut a WatermelonIs Your Mango Ready to Eat? Easy Ways to Test RipenessHow toPick GrapefruitHow toGrow WatermelonsHow Can You Tell If a Cantaloupe Has Gone Bad?The Best Ways to Cut a Honeydew MelonHow toPick a Good Mango Advertisement
Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 927,815 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 27Updated: August 7, 2025 Views: 927,815 Categories: Featured Articles | Food Selection and StorageArticle SummaryX
To select a watermelon, check that it’s firm, symmetrical, and free of obvious dents, bumps, or bruises. Lift the watermelon to see if it feels heavy. A light watermelon may be dry or underripe. Turn it over and check for a nice distinct field mark, which is a yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon that sat on the ground as it ripened. If there’s no field mark, it may have been picked too early. You can also get some hints from the color of the melon. If the skin is dark green and dull rather than shiny, it’s probably ripe. Finally, knock on the melon. If it’s ripe, it should make a hollow noise with a low ring to it rather than a dull, flat thud. For more information about how to cut and store your watermelon once you've picked it, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Portuguese Russian German Italian French Chinese Dutch Indonesian Hindi Thai Vietnamese Japanese Korean Turkish Czech
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 927,815 times.
Reader Success Stories
ZhengJa Masani
Jun 8, 2016
"I love watermelon, but dreaded cutting them until reading this article. It helped me learn more about how to pick a nice ripened one and a much easier way to cut, slice, and dice it. I'll be buying one per week, during the season, of course. Thanks a million. "..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator 3 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 27Updated: August 7, 2025 Views: 927,815
ZhengJa Masani
Jun 8, 2016
"I love watermelon, but dreaded cutting them until reading this article. It helped me learn more about how to pick a nice ripened one and a much easier way to cut, slice, and dice it. I'll be buying one per week, during the season, of course. Thanks a million. "..." more
Marisa Woods
Nov 28, 2016
"I didn't really know much about how to pick ripe watermelons because I don't eat them, but knowing the different techniques like the field spot and know what to look for when buying the pre-cut slices was very helpful."..." more
M. Anderson
Jul 15, 2017
"The weight of the product makes so much sense. I actually chose, on my last purchase, the lighter one with much regret. At least I'm armed with brilliant knowledge, so on my next purchase I can go in prepared."..." more
Zarghamuddin Azizi
Sep 8, 2016
"I had lots of problems in choosing watermelon, but by following this instructions I am sure it will help me. Thanks to those who prepared this piece of information."..." more
Sofia Miranda
Sep 9, 2017
"This the first time I've grown watermelon, and they are doing very well. We are all exited about them. Our friends and family are just as exited and can't wait."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
What Fruit Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toChoose a MelonHow toTell when a Watermelon Is Ripe and Ready for PickingHow to Choose a Ripe Cantaloupe at the Store or Farmer’s MarketHow toChoose a Honeydew Melon
Featured Articles
How toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?
Trending Articles
How toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?
Featured Articles
Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas
Featured Articles
100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their Benefits
Watch Articles
How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair
Trending Articles
Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)How to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?
Quizzes & Games
What Is My Color Aura QuizTake QuizWhat Pasta Shape Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizHow Southern Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Squishmallow Am I QuizTake QuizWhich American Dialect Do I Have QuizTake Quiz
Categories
Food and Entertaining
Food Preparation
Food Selection and Storage
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Home
About wikiHow
Experts
Jobs
Contact Us
Site Map
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info
Contribute
Follow Us
×
wikiHow Tech Help Pro:
Develop the tech skills you need for work and life
Download Article Reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano 
The Best Ways to Cut a Honeydew Melon 
How toPick a Good Mango 
Advertisement 
Reviewed by: Ollie George Cigliano Private Chef & Food Educator This article was reviewed by Ollie George Cigliano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University. This article has been viewed 927,815 times. 3 votes - 67% Co-authors: 27 Updated: August 7, 2025 Views: 927,815 Categories: Featured Articles | Food Selection and Storage Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
883 
1 Look for uniform shape. Look for a firm, symmetrical watermelon free from bruises, cuts or dents. If the watermelon has any lumps or bumps, this may mean that it received irregular amounts of sunshine or water during growing, causing dryness or inconsistency. 
2 Lift it up.The watermelon should be heavy for its size, as this indicates that it is full of water and therefore nice and ripe. Try comparing the weight of your watermelon with another of equal size - the heavier one will be the riper. This advice goes for most fruits and vegetables. Advertisement 
3 Look for the field spot. The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot, known as the field spot. This is where the melon sat on the ground and ripened in the sun, so the darker it is the better! This one is no wives' tale. If the field spot is white, or even nonexistent, this probably means that the watermelon was picked too soon, and will not be ripe.[1] 
4 Inspect the color. A perfect, ripe watermelon should be dark green in color and dull in appearance, rather than shiny. A shiny watermelon will usually be under ripe. 
5 Try the tapping technique. The tapping technique can be a little hard to master, but many watermelon fans swear by it. Give the watermelon a firm grip with your knuckles and listen to the sound it makes. For a ripe melon, you want a full sound, more tenor than base. You do not want a dull or deep sound, as this means the watermelon is unripe.[2] 
6 Know what to look for when selecting pre-cut melon. If you're purchasing pre-cut watermelon, there are also certain things to look out for. Choose pieces with bright red flesh and dark brown or black seeds. Avoid pieces with white streaks and an abundance of white seeds. You should also steer clear if the flesh looks dried out or mealy, or is separating from the seeds.[3] Advertisement 
1 Store the watermelon correctly. A whole, uncut watermelon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, before it needs to be used. Remember to handle the watermelon carefully to avoid bruising. 
2 Cut the watermelon. To cut your watermelon into bite-size chunks, first place the watermelon on a chopping board and cut off the top and bottom using a sharp knife. This will allow you to securely stand the watermelon on one of the cut edges. 
3 Deseed the watermelon. If you would like to deseed a watermelon, simply cut the watermelon in half, then in quarters. Cut through the flesh of the melon along the seed line with a paring knife. 
1 Make watermelon salad. Watermelon is the perfect addition to a fresh salad, giving your lunch an added, juicy crunch. This recipe pairs watermelon with cucumbers, cashew nuts and feta cheese! 
2 Make watermelon lemonade. Can you imagine anything more refreshing than a cold glass of watermelon-flavored lemonade on a hot summer's day? Use the sweetest watermelon you can find for best results! 
3 Make watermelon donuts. Watermelon donuts aren't really donuts, they're just watermelon slices cut into the shape of donuts. Topped with sugar and slivered almonds, they make a delicious snack. 
4 Make deep-fried watermelon. This tasty, but not-so-healthy treat is often served at county fairs and other events. Finished with some powdered sugar, it makes a decadently juicy treat! 
5 Make watermelon-infused vodka. You can make a delicious, summery drink by infusing vodka with watermelon slices - serve over ice with a little juice for a perfect pink party drink! Advertisement 
Community Answer Yes. It should also feel heavy. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 40 
Community Answer Yes. If the stem is green, it usually means the melon is not ripe or was harvested too early. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 20 
Shane Buelna Community Answer Artificially. Seedless watermelons are bred to be seedless and must be reproduced by artificial means such as cloning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 17 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.