Watermelon picking tips
› Spots. The large white spots on the underside of watermelons are called “field spots,” and reveal where the watermelon rested on the earth while growing. The spots vary in color, from pale white to deeper shades of beige/gold. Aim for gold.› Shape. Did you know watermelons have a gender? “Male” watermelons are longer and more oval, while “female” watermelons tend to be rounder. Male watermelons are often juicier, while females are typically sweeter.› Size. A watermelon should feel heavy when you lift it. Otherwise, it may indicate that the juicy flesh has dried out.› Stalk. To determine ripeness, look at the watermelon’s “tail.” A dried stalk indicates a ripe watermelon. If the stalk is green, the melon was harvested too early and will not be ripe.› Webbing. A brown, spider-web-like pattern on a melon indicates the number of times bees touched the flower. The more webbing, the more pollination. The more pollination, the sweeter the melon.› Sound. Give your melon a tap. If the melon is juicy and ripe, it will give off a dull, hollow sound. Overripe or unripe watermelons won’t let out the noise.Source: https://en.newsner.com/news/farmer-s-tip-how-to-identify-the-best-watermelon/
Consider the humble watermelon: Regarded as both a fruit and a vegetable, watermelon can be found in more than 1,200 varieties – and there are almost as many ways to enjoy it. And did you know that both the rind and the seeds, which are making a comeback, by the way, are edible?
Restaurants offer watermelon as a garnish, in a salad and in specialty cocktails. It can be paired with a salty cheese or used to make a salsa.
At Stir inside the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex on Market Street, they use watermelon pulp in a seasonal Watermelon Margarita they are now offering. General Manager Don Lyle says “it’s a really popular cocktail” because it’s so refreshing.
“It’s made with Altos Tequila Blanco, fresh lime, fresh-cut watermelon and our shaved ice,” he says. “It’s good stuff.”