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In hot weather, the body loses a lot of water. Watermelons are delicious, especially during the hot summer months, and can hydrate the body because it contains around 90-92 per cent water. Watermelons also have other health benefits. They help in weight loss, improves eye sight, and enhances muscle, nerve and liver function as well as immunity.
There are many types of watermelon in the market. But recognising the perfect watermelon can be a problem.
Let us find out ways to recognise a good, red and sweet watermelon.
Select a normal shaped watermelon.
A bumpy shaped watermelon means that the plant did not get enough water while it was growing. If a watermelon has abnormal spots, it may indicate the presence of insects or fungus.
Choose a round watermelon over an oval one. Oval or elongated watermelons, although high in water content, may be tasteless. Round watermelons are usually sweet. Take the watermelon in your hand. If you see that the watermelon is heavy in comparison to its shape, then you know that it is ripe and juicy.
Yellow spots can be seen on the opposite side of the watermelon.
This is the ground spot.
Having stayed on the ground for a long time, yellow spots are formed. The larger the spots, the longer the watermelon has been on the ground for ripening, and it will be sweeter. In addition, if it is white on the opposite side of the watermelon, then it must be understood that the watermelon has been removed while it is still raw.
However, some watermelons may not have a ground spot. If the yellow part of the watermelon has black or brown spots, the watermelon is more likely to be sweet.
Notice the direction of the watermelon head. If you see yellow colour then you will understand that the watermelon is ripe. An entirely green watermelon means it is still raw.
To identify a good watermelon, try tapping or licking the watermelon. Although this technique is subjective, it is still a popular method of identifying good watermelons for many. If there is a hard or tingling sound after tapping, the watermelon is usually supposed to be good.
Also, if the watermelon is good, you will feel the vibration under your hand.
Do not be fooled by the bright colour of watermelons. Ripe watermelons are usually dark in appearance. Riper ones are softer. Sniff the watermelon in your hand.
If ripe, a sweet smell comes out, which means that the fruit is ripe. Notice the stem part of the watermelon. When the stem is dry, it also means the watermelon is ripe. Do not buy if it smells too ripe or if it smells raw.
A version of this article appears in the print on April 8, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.
