Ripe watermelon color
In this brief guide, we will shed a light on “what is the color of a ripe watermelon?”. We will further talk about how to pick the best watermelon, how to safely store it and the health benefits of watermelon.
What is the color of a ripe watermelon?
A ripe watermelon has a yellow and creamy color. There is a large field mark with a yellow patch at the side of a ripe watermelon.
The more prominent the yellow belly and the paler the color, the more ripened the watermelon. However, if the mark is more smallish or looks whiter rather than yellow, then the watermelon may not be as ripe.
How to find the best watermelon?
To find the best watermelon, follow these steps:
Step 1: Evaluate the watermelon
Firstly, you need to evaluate the watermelon. Check for any cuts, scrapes, bulges or bruises on its surface. Choose a watermelon with flawless skin. Further, ensure that the watermelon is symmetrical. Irregular forms and bulges generally mean the watermelon obtained uneven amounts of sunlight and water.
Step 2: Assess its color
There is more to assess than just bumpy watermelon. The color of the skin is extremely important. The perfect, completely ripened watermelon should have a darkish green color and have a dull appearance. If it is glossy, it has not ripened yet.
Another crucial thing is to examine the field mark. There will be a yellow zone on the bottom of a watermelon. It should have a creamy yellowish color. The brighter the yellow color, the sweeter the watermelon will be. Do not pick the watermelon if the field mark is white or not present.
Step 3: Examine the stem
For a sweeter and more ripened watermelon, there should not be a visible stem on its surface. Rather, there should be a small cavity, signifying that the watermelon dropped off the vine itself. If there exists a stem, it was pulled off earlier.
Step 4: Tap on it
Check the watermelon with a gentle tap, and hear the sound it produces. A ripened watermelon should give a full, resonant, and hollow sound. While an under ripened watermelon will give a more muted sound.
Be sure to analyze the firmness of the watermelon when you tap it. The surface must be tough and firm.
Step 5: Buy it
Not considering how large or small the watermelon is, ripened watermelon should be heavy in weight. This denotes that the watermelon is rich in water, which signifies that it is ripened and juicy.
How to store watermelon?
Watermelons are harvested when they are ripened so they will not persist to ripe and soften much at room temperature; watermelons harvested before their time won’t develop full flavor.
A whole watermelon can be kept in the fridge for about 7 days or at room temperature for 7-14 days.
Cut watermelon should be covered in plastic, kept in a fridge and used within 3-5 days. You can also keep cut watermelon in a freezer, however, the texture will be softened on thawing (which is good to use in cold soups and smoothies).
Uncut and unrefrigerated watermelons can be kept for almost 10-14 days. Keep them in a very cool spot to prolong their storage time. If sliced, watermelon tightly covered in plastic will last in a fridge for almost 4 days.
Watermelon will rot if kept below 10℃ for over a few days.
Do not keep watermelon with apples or tomatoes as they emit ethylene gas. The skins of the watermelon exposed to ethylene will become flimsy and soft.
What are the health benefits of watermelon?
Below are some health benefits you can gain from eating watermelon:
Supports hydration
Watermelon is 92 percent water. 20 percent of our water requirements are obtained from food. Considering this, watermelons can effectively contribute to the water needs particularly for the elders who are less responsive to thirst.
It may promote fullness
Watermelon is low in calories and high in water which helps in promoting fullness and reducing appetite.
It may support healthy skin and eyes
Watermelon is rich in carotenoids, specifically, beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A helps to keep our eyes and skin healthy.
It is a good source of lycopene
Watermelon has carotenoids, particularly lycopene which reduces the risk of certain cancers, supports heart and eye health and reduces the risk of chronic conditions including type II diabetes.
It may reduce blood pressure and enhance workout performance
Watermelon has phytonutrients that help reduce blood pressure and enhance workout performance in healthy adults.
Other FAQs about Watermelon that you may be interested in.
How good is watermelon for you?
What is the difference between male and female watermelon?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we have shed a light on “what is the color of a ripe watermelon?”. We have further talked about how to pick the best watermelon, how to safely store it and the health benefits of watermelon.
References
https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/the-perfect-watermelon
