The disappointment of biting into what you believed was a ripe watermelon and experiencing a bland, unsweetened taste is unlike anything else. In contrast to other fruits, watermelons do not continue to ripen after being picked. While cantaloupes and other melons tend to become softer after a few days of resting at room temperature, the sweetness of watermelons depends more on when they were harvested than on how soft they become from being left on the counter. Here are 7 great tips on how to tell if a watermelon is ripe enough for eating, whether you bought it from the market or grew it at home.

Examine the Color of the Belly

Watermelons have a belly or bottom that is in contact with the ground during their growth and is referred to as a "field spot." This patch will be yellowish (often referred to as "buttery") on a ripe watermelon. A white spot indicates that the melon is unripe

Do a Sound Check

Holding the watermelon in front of your ear, tap the center with your knuckles or flick it with your finger. When a watermelon is ripe, it will make a hollow sound when knocked, more akin to a "plunk" than a "thwack." On the other hand, an overripe watermelon will have a "thud" or a lower-pitched sound, while an unripe watermelon will have a more high-pitched sound.

It takes some practice to become aware of the differences between the sounds. You can also request a demonstration from a melon grower at your neighborhood farmer's market or the produce manager at the supermarket so you can hear it for yourself.

Smell It

Take the watermelon in your hands, move it a short distance from the other melons, and give it a thorough whiff. A ripe watermelon should have a mildly sweet aroma that is comparable to the taste of a melon, but not one that is too sweet—this can be a sign of an overripe watermelon.

Gently Squeeze It

Check to see if the watermelon has any "give" when you gently squeeze the side. The melon's rind shouldn't be as soft as the skin of some fruits becomes when they are ripe, but it also shouldn't be rock-hard and devoid of all give.

Compare Weights

If, after doing the above tests, you are still unable to choose between two watermelons, compare their weights and choose the one that appears to be heavier to you. Although not foolproof, this test has a high chance of being fairly accurate.

Examine the Vine

The tendril nearest the fruit on a ripe watermelon will typically be brown and dry; the leaves and vine itself should still be green and healthy-looking. The watermelon is most likely still ripening if the tendril is still green. Watermelons generally won't become any riper if the entire vine and leaves start to turn brown, so it might be wise to harvest them before they spoil.

Practice makes perfect, and we hope these tests help you become an expert at picking out ripe watermelons eventually. As every fruit garden is elevated with some vegetables and flowers, be sure to plant those alongside your watermelons if you’re growing them at home!