Picking a perfect watermelon to buy can be a little tricky. It may look fine to the untrained eye, but get it home and it’s tasteless or worse yet–has a rancid bite to it.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing a good watermelon:

• Look for the tell-tale “ripe spot”. It will be on the bottom of the watermelon and a light yellow or creamy color. This spot develops as the melon grows on the soil. If the spot is greenish or white in color, it’s not ripe yet. Watermelons don’t continue to ripen once they’ve been picked, so this is an important clue to watch for.
• The outside rind is firm and hard, blemish free. It’s also a deep green and dull in color (not a light or bright green). No cuts, no bruises. If you find some soft spots, it’s a sign it’s starting to turn bad.
• Choose one that is symmetrical in shape, a nice oval or round shape. Not unevenly heavy or full on one end and thin on the other.
• You want a watermelon that is good and heavy–over 90% of it is water

Once you bring the watermelon home, scrub it down well with soap and water (and a healthy splash of vinegar if you like). If you don’t, you’ll be dragging the germs down into the fruit as you cut down with a knife.

Before eating, chill the watermelon in the refrigerator for about 12 hours, depending on size.

Watermelon is one of those perfect foods–it’s healthy, contains no fat or cholesterol, yet it’s delish and will even pass as dessert (how many foods can accomplish that!).

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