Lift Before You Buy

A good melon should feel heavy for its size—that means it’s full of juice. Medium-sized watermelons often strike the best balance between sweetness and hydration.

Quick Watermelon-Picking Checklist

• Deep yellow field spot
• Visible bee sting marks
• Round shape for sweeter taste
• Feels heavier than it looks

Bottom Line

Your perfect watermelon isn’t the biggest or the prettiest—it’s the one that tells you it’s ripe through its color, markings, shape, and weight. Learn these signs, and every slice will taste like peak summer.