Happy Watermelon Day!

Today is National Watermelon Day! Treat yourself to a bite of this refreshing, nutrient packed, colorful fruit today.

The trickiest part of enjoying a watermelon is picking a good one. We’ve all experienced that feeling of frustration when you cut open the melon only to find it’s still unripe. So how can we avoid this dilemma? Luckily there are a couple of different tips that might make picking the perfect melon a piece of cake.

Start by looking for a watermelon that has a uniform shape, with little to no bruising or scrapes on the surface. Next flip your melon over and look for what is called the “field patch”. This is watermelon talk for the part of the melon that sat on the ground as it matured. If the patch is pale, white, or nonexistent, then the watermelon is probably not a good choice. Put that back and pick a different one! You want the field patch to be a darker yellow in color, as this is indicative of a ripe melon.

If you are deciding between two watermelons, simply pick them up. The heavier the melon, the higher the likelihood that it is ripe. This trick actually works for most fruits as well! You should also pick the watermelon that is a darker green in color and dull. If the rind is shiny, it may not have had enough time to mature on the vine. If you still are not able to make a decision, try knocking on the watermelons. Listen for a full sound. A deeper, dull, sound indicates an unripe melon.

Now you know how to pick a ripe watermelon, but what about seedless as opposed to seeded watermelons? There is a common misconception that seedless watermelons have been genetically modified, which puts them in a less desirable light. This actually isn’t true. Seedless watermelons were created by crossing pollen from a male watermelon that has 22 chromosomes per cell, with pollen from a female watermelon containing 44 chromosomes per cell. The result is a sterile, seedless watermelon with 33 chromosomes per cell! There is no genetic modification involved. Choose your watermelon based on your own preference.

So you have the perfect watermelon! How do you cut it?

Start by washing the surface of your melon to remove any dirt that has accumulated from farm to store. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the ends off of the melon so it is able to stand upright on its own. It is now possible to slice the watermelon without it rolling away from you. After cutting the melon, store the pieces you will not be eating in a sealed container (preferably airtight) and place it in the fridge. This will keep for 3-5 days. It is best to store the fruit farthest from the freezer as watermelon does not freeze well. Be sure to check for signs of spoilage before consuming this delicious treat though. Sliminess and a foul odor are sure signs that it has gone bad. When in doubt, throw it out! Nobody has time for foodborne illnesses.

I know you’re probably thinking, “wow, that’s a lot of work, why should I bother with watermelon when it’s just water anyway?”. This is another common misconception. Watermelon is full of tons of nutrients, not just water! Check out the infographic below for a brief list of just some of the healthy benefits of enjoying watermelon!