Look, Listen and Feel Your Way to a Ripe Watermelon
by John Yazo
The task of harvesting or even choosing ripe watermelons at a supermarket can get a little frustrating, especially when you are in the mood for that sweet, succulent, cool taste of a fresh watermelon and to find out when you get home it isn't what you has expected.
This crop needs to be harvested at the rite time, they are a crop that wont ripen off the vine. Look, listen and feel is the key to choosing a ripe watermelon. Learning and getting use to these three methods will be well worth your time if you enjoy them.
The most reliable and the method used the most is the "thump test". This is a method that you have probably done many of times in the supermarket when someone is looking to purchase a watermelon. It is when you tap the melon with either your finger tips or knuckles. A watermelon produces a hollow sound when you tap it when is ripe. This will take a little practice , but once you have the sound mastered it will most likely be the method of choice as is many others.
Another method is feel. When a watermelon is ripe it has ridges that form on it's rind. Take you fingers and gently run them around the melon, if you feel ridges the melon is ripe. Young immature watermelons are smooth.
When harvesting your crop from the garden there is a method that can only be done with the melon still on the vine. When a watermelon is ripe on the vine the bottom side that rests on the ground will turn a gold color, a yellowish gold color like straw and the curled tendril on the vine that is closest to the fruit will dry out and become brittle.
Practice these methods and you will be on your way to choosing a ripe, sweet, succulent watermelon every time.
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