Selection Tips

Good quality melons are firm, symmetrical and attractive in appearance.  Mature melons will have a dull rather than a shiny surface and the underside of the ripe melon will be yellowish in color, or beginning to turn from a white or pale green to light yellow.  Depending on the variety, color may vary from deep solid green to gray.

The flesh of a cut watermelon should have a fresh, firm texture, not mealy or water soaked, and a bright color.  Seeds vary in color, but should be fully mature and hard.

There are many varieties of watermelons on the market now, even seedless varieties.  Sweetness may differ by variety, but all are equally good for home use.

Larger melons yield more edible flesh in proportion to smaller ones.  One melon weighing 18 - 30 pounds will serve 16 people.  For 25 people use 1-3/4 melons and for 100 persons 6-1/4 melons is a good "rule of thumb" measure.

Watermelons can be kept at room temperature until cut, refrigerating after cutting.