Why is it hard to define just one way to pick the best watermelon? Because there are so many types such as seedless watermelons and picnic watermelons.

“There are many ways to pick out a watermelon. At the Watermelon Board, we represent and promote all varieties of all watermelon equally, and nationally. Therefore, our selection tips are rather broad so that they are applicable to shoppers no matter the type of watermelon they are selecting from, no matter the region,” Barlow said.

However, one thing to look for when choosing your watermelon are yellow ground spots.

“[We] prefer the color indicator of butter yellow. Too bright of a yellow color might indicate over ripeness,” Barlow said.

Still eager to hunt down the perfect tips, we found these recommendations from the Watermelon Board to pick a good watermelon.

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Look the watermelon over.

You are looking for a firm, symmetrical watermelon that is free from bruises, cuts or dents.

2. Lift it up.

The watermelon should be heavy for its size. Watermelon is 92 percent water, so most of the weight is water.

3. Turn it over.

The underside of the watermelon should have a creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun.

Even though these haven’t been scientifically verified, we think these old wives tales are worth mentioning.

1.  Look for the webbing – these are brown spider web or vein-like scabs that appear in and around the ground spots.
2. Take gender into account – the longer shaped melons are “male” and tend to be watery. The round and stout watermelons are “female” and are sweeter.
3. Size – the best tasting watermelons are average-sized.
4. Look at the tail – the tail indicated its ripeness. The browner and drier  the tail looks, the better the odds that it was picked at a prime ripe stage and will taste better.

While Barlow states that these tips are not scientifically valid based on the lack of ability to corroborate these methods. Anxious to try, we went to the store and tried these tips ourselves and it worked! However, that was only one time and we know that means it’s not scientifically valid… yet.

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What is the process for breeding seedless watermelons?

Dr. Folta: “Breeding seedless watermelons requires a genetic cross, transferring the pollen from one type of watermelon to another. Here’s the trick – in plants, polyploids are common. Polyploids are defined as organisms that contain many more than the normal number of chromosomes. In plants, it is common to find instances where the chromosomes have doubled, meaning two sets from the female and two sets from the male, four sets all together. The extra genetic material is not a problem andl in many cases, it helps create larger fruits with better quality.

“Now imagine if you cross a polyploid watermelon (two sets of chromosomes from the female) with a diploid (one set from the male). The resulting offspring will be triploid (one too many chromosome sets). This odd set of chromosomes is tough for a plant cell to understand, and so the cells don’t develop, and the seeds are not viable.

“You see many examples of odd chromosome numbers leading to seedless varieties: bananas, some apples and certain citrus varieties.”

Are there different varieties of seedless watermelons?

Dr. Folta: “Yes, there are many.”

Is there a difference in texture or taste between seedless and seeded watermelons?

Dr. Folta: “There shouldn’t be very much. Any differences are more likely due to genetic differences between different varieties rather than the extra chromosomes.”

If you’re looking for information on how to pick the perfect watermelon, we’ve got you covered. Need a visual on the process? We got you covered.

_{Photo: “2013 East Grand Rapids 4th of July Parade and Fireworks July 04, 2013 86” by Steven Depolo is licensed under CC BY 2.0}

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