Few things say “summer” like a slice of sweet, juicy watermelon. But nothing is more disappointing than cracking open a watermelon only to find it’s pale, bland, or mushy. So how do you make sure you’re picking a good one before you even slice it open? The secret lies in a few simple signs that anyone can look for. Whether you’re shopping at your local farmer’s market or the grocery store, here’s how to choose a watermelon that’s vibrant red on the inside, deliciously sweet, and perfectly crisp.

1. Spot the Sugar Spot
Let’s start with the sugar spot—that’s a small, dry, slightly indented area on the rind that looks a bit rough or crusty. It’s not the prettiest thing to see, but it’s a sign of sweetness. These sugar spots form where sugar is seeping out from the fruit, which means the watermelon is likely to be super sweet inside. Just make sure it’s not a large or wet spot—that could be a sign of rot or damage.

2. Go for a Consistent, Deep Green Color
Next up, take a look at the watermelon’s outer skin. A ripe watermelon should have a rich, dark green color all over. Skip the ones that look pale or have uneven patches of light and dark green—that usually means it was picked before it fully ripened. Uniform coloring is a solid sign that the fruit had time to mature properly in the field.

3. Pick It Up—It Should Feel Heavy for Its Size
Here’s a simple but surprisingly effective test: pick up a few watermelons of similar size and compare their weights. The one that feels the heaviest is usually the ripest. Why? Because ripe watermelons have a higher water content—and more water means more juiciness and flavor. If it feels light, it might be dry or underripe inside.

4. Knock, Knock—Listen for the Hollow Sound
This old-school trick really works. Give the watermelon a good tap with your knuckles and listen carefully. You’re aiming for a deep, hollow sound. That echo-like noise means the fruit is full of water and has that nice crisp texture you’re looking for. If the sound is dull or flat, it’s probably not ripe yet and may taste bland or feel mushy.

5. Find the Field Spot
Flip the watermelon over and check the underside. That creamy, yellowish patch is called the field spot—it’s where the watermelon rested on the ground while it was growing. A yellow or even slightly golden field spot means the fruit ripened on the vine. If the spot is white or still greenish, it was likely picked too early and won’t be as flavorful.

6. Examine the Rind for Blemishes or Soft Spots
Finally, give the rind a once-over. A fresh, healthy watermelon should have a smooth surface without major blemishes. Some scarring is okay and even normal, but you want to avoid deep cuts, soft spots, or moldy areas. Those could mean the fruit is overripe, damaged, or starting to go bad. A firm, intact rind is your best bet for freshness.

Bonus Tip: Shape Matters Too
If you’re stuck between two good-looking melons, go for the one that’s more uniformly shaped—either round or oval, just not lumpy or irregular. Misshapen watermelons may have developed inconsistently, which can affect the flavor and texture.

Why It All Matters
Choosing the right watermelon isn’t just about taste—it’s about getting the most value for your money and avoiding waste. A ripe watermelon means fewer leftovers in the trash and more sweet bites for your summer picnics, barbecues, and pool parties.

So the next time you’re standing in front of a big bin of watermelons, don’t just grab the one on top. Use your eyes, ears, hands, and a little know-how. With these easy tips, you’ll be walking away with the juiciest, sweetest watermelon every time.