2019-06-29 https://totallychefs.com/articles/heres-how-to-pick-a-perfect-watermelon TotallyChefs 448 448 Jennifer There are few treats as naturally sweet as a ripe, juicy watermelon in the hottest days of summer. Eating a slice as big as my face with juice dribbling do

Here's how to pick a perfect watermelon

Here's how to pick a perfect watermelon

shared by Jennifer

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Watermelon is 92% water, which makes eating it an excellent way to rehydrate in the summer. Watermelon is also the overachiever of summer produce, in that it is both a fruit and a vegetable. It is the product of a seed-producing plant, making it a fruit. However, it is also related to the squash and cucumber family. Just like its fellow vegetables, the rind of a watermelon is edible.

Choosing and storing

A flavorful melon will be full of water, so it should feel heavy for its size. A lighter melon may be dry or mealy inside.

When you rap the side of a watermelon with your knuckles, it should have a resonant, hollow sound. A dull sound means the melon is underripe.

Look for a watermelon that is symmetrical with bright green skin. The most important feature to look for on the skin is a "field spot," a patch of yellow skin on the underside of the melon. The field spot means that it was allowed to sit and mature in the sun for an adequate amount of time. A white, pale green or nonexistent field spot is a sign that the watermelon did not have enough time to ripen and produce sugar, which will leave it flavorless.

Store whole watermelon at room temperature for up to two weeks. Once the melon is cut it should be wrapped tightly and stored in the refrigerator. A cut melon will last two to three days.

Watermelon can be frozen by cutting the fruit into small chunks and freezing on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container to store in the freezer. Thawed watermelon will have a slightly slushy texture, which makes it better suited for smoothies, sorbets or frozen drinks such as margaritas. Only thaw it partially if you are going to eat it plain; this will help to maintain some of its texture.

At its peak

Adding seasoning and spice to chopped watermelon creates a dynamic flavor beyond its regular sweetness. Try adding a combination of flaky salt and fresh-cracked pepper, lime juice and chili powder or olive oil and chopped basil.

The sugar in watermelon makes it an excellent choice for grilling. A few minutes per side will caramelize the sugar and give each slice a nice char.

Overripe

Watermelon that has gone slightly soft is no longer ideal for snacking, but the flavor is still spot on. Blend overripe watermelon into smoothies or strain the puree and add the juice to iced tea, lemonade or margaritas. Pureed watermelon can also be frozen into popsicle molds for a cool treat.