How to pick a good watermelon: Here's how to tell if a melon is ripe

There’s nothing better than a juicy slice of watermelon at the beach or by the pool. But if you’re going to cut your own, buying the perfect melon can be a gamble. Unlike other fruits, you can’t tell a good watermelon, cantaloupe or honeydew just by looking at it. The last thing you want is to show up at a barbecue with an overripe or mushy melon.

Luckily, there are some fail-safe hacks for the next time you’re in the grocery aisle.

How to pick a watermelon

Take your time to compare and handle several melons before you pick one. Look for a dense melon that's heavy for its size because it'll be packed with more juice, more sugar and more flavor. Settle for a happy medium – you want a melon that’s firm but not too firm, fragrant but not smelly.

1. Find a matte rind: Shiny means the melon is underripe

2. Look for webbing : Scaly brown dots or scars on the exterior of the melon are a sign of flavor – it's from bees pollinating the blossom and more pollen equals more flavor.

3. Look at the field spot: This is where the watermelon was in contact with the ground. Look for an orange or yellow spot to maximize flavor.

4. Give the melon a little thump: Go ahead, knock on your watermelon. A ripe melon will sound hollow and rumbly. An unripe one will sound solid and thick.

5. Choose the round ones : A round watermelon is more flavorful than an oval or oblong one. Smaller, circular watermelons are your best bet.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to pick a good watermelon: Here's how to tell if a melon is ripe