No need to tap? Here's how to actually pick a sweet watermelon
Watermelons are displayed at a supermarket in Seoul, April 19. Yonhap
Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com.
Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits during hot weather, but sweetness and texture can vary widely, making it difficult for shoppers to choose the right one. As a result, many folk tips have emerged, such as tapping the watermelon to listen to the sound or checking the stripes and stem. Is there really a reliable way to pick a sweet and tasty watermelon?
Check the bottom color and weight together
Experts said checking the size and color of the watermelon’s “belly button” can help when selecting a sweet watermelon. The belly button refers to the small circular mark on the side opposite the stem. The smaller the mark, the more likely the fruit is to have dense flesh inside.
If the bottom area around the belly button has a deep yellow or orange color, it usually means the watermelon ripened sufficiently before harvest. A pale or white color may indicate that it is underripe.
When watermelons are similar in size, shoppers are advised to compare their weight. Heavier watermelons tend to have denser flesh and higher water content, which may improve both sweetness and texture.
Checking the condition of the stem may also help. A brown, dried stem may suggest the watermelon had enough time to ripen before harvest, while a bright green stem could indicate it was picked early.
What about tapping and other popular beliefs?
There is a common belief that sweet watermelons produce a deep, resonant sound when tapped. However, experts said tapping alone cannot accurately determine sweetness, and the sound can be interpreted differently depending on the individual.
Another popular belief claims that watermelons with white powder on the surface are sweeter, but there is no scientific basis for this. Documents and studies have identified the white substance as silica. The idea that darker and more numerous stripes indicate better taste is also considered unreliable, as stripe patterns depend mainly on the watermelon variety.
Improper storage can increase bacteria 3,000-fold
Watermelon, which is rich in water and vitamins A, B and C, is considered ideal for relieving fatigue and cooling down during the summer. Because a whole watermelon is often too large to finish at once, many people store leftovers by covering the cut surface with plastic wrap.
However, experts warn that this habit can encourage bacterial growth. When wrapped tightly, the watermelon creates an environment favorable for bacteria to multiply. According to an analysis by the Korea Consumer Agency, bacteria on the cut surface increased 3,000-fold after wrapped watermelon was refrigerated at 4 degrees Celsius.
Experts recommend cutting leftover watermelon into smaller pieces and storing them in airtight containers instead.
This article from Kormedi.com, Korea’s top health care and medical portal, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.