How to choose the BEST watermelon!
A lack of appetite on hot days is a common experience for many people and in these cases, what you really need is something fresh, light and filling. The answer? Watermelon! It has a very high water content compared to other fruits, and for this reason, it has been recommended to be consumed along with the daily water requirement.
Watermelon, due to its red pulp, is among those fruits recommended to be eaten in the summer. In fact, very ripe watermelons contain a quantity of lycopene -- an essential element for the protection of skin exposed to sunlight -- that is higher than that contained in tomatoes!
However, to be able to combine the delicious taste of watermelon with its healthy benefits you have to know how to choose the right one! But how can you do this? Just follow our advice!
1. Examine attentively the yellow area.
The yellow area that is present on a watermelon corresponds to the portion that has been in contact with the ground. A ripe watermelon can be recognized by a yellow-orange coloring, while those that are not ripe show a color tending towards white.
2. Note the brown marks and lines.
Some watermelons have "brown marks and lines" on the surface. These are nothing but marks left by insects such as bees or lizards that have tried to extract the sugar from the fruit pulp.
Remember, animals are the best connoisseurs in the field of fruits and vegetables, their intuition is never wrong!
3. Man or woman?
Even in agriculture, the sexes exist! In regards to watermelons, the "male" is distinguished by its elongated shape and by a less intense flavor. Instead, the "female" watermelon has a rounder shape and higher sugar content.
4. Use a food scale.
Do not exaggerate! The best watermelon is neither the largest nor the smallest. The right size is in the middle and the weight must be appropriate for the size!
5. Pay attention to the stem.
A dry stem or stalk is synonymous with a ripe fruit. If it is green, the watermelon was harvested too soon, so its taste will not be very sweet!
Now it's up to you! With the eye of a true detective, you will be able to go to shopping for watermelons and easily identify the best one!
