Summer is the season of juicy melons and sweet watermelons. But when it comes to choosing fruit at the market or in the aisle, who hasn't found themselves patting all the fruit with little conviction? Too ripe, not sweet enough, mealy... To avoid unpleasant surprises, here are all the practical tips you need to choose a melon or watermelon at the peak of their flavour and ripeness.
🍈 To choose the right melon: follow the 5 senses guide
1. Smell: the number one criterion
A good ripe melon gives off a sweet, fragrant smell from the stalk (the place where the stem has been cut). The stronger the aroma, the riper the fruit. If it smells nothing, it's probably still a little green.
2. Feel: firm but not hard
The melon should give slightly under pressure, especially around the stem. Too soft? It may be too ripe. Too hard? It may still be immature.
3. Weight: the heavier the better
A ripe melon is bursting with juice. For the same size, always choose the heaviest melon, which is a sign of good sugar concentration and juiciness.
4. Appearance: ridges and stem count
Melons with well-defined ridges are often sweeter. As for the stem, if it's starting to come away naturally, that's a good sign. If it's dry and cracked, the fruit may already be gone.
5. The sound: the bonus tip
Shake gently. If you can feel the seeds moving around inside, this may indicate that the fruit is ripe. It's not a foolproof method, but it can help tell the difference between two similar melons.
🍉 Choosing the right watermelon: it's easier than it looks
Watermelons, which are often sold whole, can seem harder to judge. However, there are a few reliable guidelines to help you make the right choice.
1. The yellow spot: your best ally
The yellow spot on the skin indicates where the watermelon was placed on the ground. It should be creamy yellow, or even orange. If it is white or absent, the fruit has been harvested too early.
2. The sound: hollow but not muffled
Tap the watermelon with your fingers. A hollow, resonant sound indicates a very ripe fruit. A more muffled sound may indicate soft or floury flesh.
3. Brown veins and streaks
Small, rough scars or brown streaks on the skin often mean that the bees have pollinated the flower well: a good indicator of a sweet fruit. It's not aesthetically pleasing, but it's very promising in terms of taste.
4. The stalk or stem
If the stem is dry and curved, the watermelon has fully ripened on the plant. A green stem? The fruit has probably been picked too early.
5. Weight again
As with melons, a ripe watermelon should be heavy for its size. This indicates a good water and sugar content.
🍴 Slice... and enjoy!
Once you've chosen your ideal fruit, all you need to do is chill it. For melons, one or two hours in the fridge is enough (not too long so as not to alter the flavours). Watermelons can stay in the fridge a little longer, but avoid cutting them too early so as not to lose their juice.
And remember: summer fruit is best when it's fully ripe... but a slightly under-ripe fruit is better than an over-ripe one. By following these tips, you have every chance of delighting your taste buds, without any unpleasant surprises.