How to determine the maturity of watermelon and melon: useful secrets

Among all seasonal fruits, watermelons and melons occupy a special place. They are refreshing on hot days and become an integral part of summer meals.

However, sometimes it happens that attractive looking melons and watermelons are not sweet at all. Therefore, Agromarket tells you how to determine that these crops are ready for consumption.

Signs of melon maturity

Color

One of the first and most obvious indicators of melon maturity is a change in color. When the fruit turns sunny shades of yellow to orange, it means it's ready to eat. If the melon remains greenish, it is worth giving it some more time to ripen.

It is also important to remember that the color of the melon depends not only on the variety, but also on the growing conditions. Fruits that receive a lot of sunlight usually have a more intense color.

Flavor

A ripe melon has a unique, strong and sweet flavor that is hard to confuse with anything else. However, not all varieties have a pronounced odor, so focus on other attributes as well.

The condition of the stalk

Check where the fruit is attached to the stem. If the stalk is dried and wrinkled, the melon is ready for picking. You can also press the base of the fruit a little bit. If the rind sags a little, leaving an indentation - the melon is ripe.

Signs of watermelon maturity

Ground Spot

One of the most accurate signs that a watermelon is ripe is the color of the earth spot, the spot where the fruit has been resting on the ground. A bright yellow or orange spot indicates that the watermelon is ripe. If the spot is white, the fruit is not yet ready. However, in some varieties, the earth spot is naturally less pronounced, so pay attention to other signs.

The clarity of the pattern on the rind

In a mature watermelon, the pattern on the rind should be clear and bright. If the variety has stripes, they should be expressive and contrasting.

Some watermelon varieties have a monochrome rind. In this case, take into account the saturation of its color.

Wax coating

Mature watermelons are covered with a light waxy coating, which indicates that the fruit has accumulated a sufficient amount of sugars. Therefore, if the watermelon is shiny, it may indicate that it should still lie down.

Tapping sound

Tap the watermelon: a metallic sound indicates ripeness. If the sound is muffled, the fruit is either not ripe or overripe.

Stalk and tendrils

As with melons, watermelons should pay attention to the condition of the stalk and tendrils. In mature fruits they should be dry.

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