How can I tell if a watermelon is ripe?

[DebPC]

•Pick a dull looking watermelon.
•Find that field spot. This is a creamy spot on the melon, and it's where the watermelon was resting on the ground. The field spot should be a yellowish creamy color, like shown with
•The darker the color of the creamy spot, the longer it was on the vine sweetening up. If it is white (or not even there), put it back, because this indicates an underripe melon.
•Pick it up - it should be heavy for it's size

 

[Admin Greg]

.•Look at the color of the rind - it should be a deep, dark green color.•Give it a thump - it should have a deep hollow sound.•Smell the blossom end - it should have a sweet melony aroma.

 

[Admin Greg]

. Watermelons are 92% water, most of which is still in the fruit when it is ripe. This means that the ripest watermelons will feel heavy for their size.•Look for the webbing. This is the brown, course web looking material that covers the watermelon. Pollination is the key to great fruit, and the more pollination, the better chance for larger, sweeter fruit. This is a good indicator of a tasty watermelon.•Look for the tendril. The tendril is the curly little tendril growing from the vine. If it's green, it's fresh, if it's brown, it's getting old. If the tendril is completely dried up, then chances are the watermelon is ripe. This is a good indicator of when to pick the watermelon.•Give it a good thump. Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with water and good to eat. Underripe or overripe melons will sound dull.•Check the shape. A round, oval shape is usually a good indicator that the watermelon had enough sun and water while growing. If it's misshapen or lopsided, it may have had inconsistent growing conditions, resulting in an uneven ripening.•Smell the stem. The stem end of a watermelon is where it was attached to the vine. If it smells sweet and fruity, it's a good sign that the watermelon is ripe. If it doesn't have a smell at all, it may not be ripe yet.•Inspect the skin. The skin of a ripe watermelon should be firm and free of bruises, cuts, or other damage. If there are any soft spots or blemishes, it may be overripe or starting to spoil.•Use a refractometer. This is a tool that measures the sugar content of a watermelon. A ripe watermelon should have a sugar content of at least 10% or higher. If you have access to a refractometer, you can use it to check the sugar levels and determine if the watermelon is ripe.Remember, these are just general guidelines for picking a ripe watermelon. Every watermelon is different and may not have all of these characteristics. Use your best judgment and trust your instincts when choosing a watermelon.