Baffled? Here’s How To Tell If Watermelon Is Ripe
I think most of us have been there…Standing over a large box of watermelons at the grocery store, picking them up and trying to figure out which one is the…
I think most of us have been there...Standing over a large box of watermelons at the grocery store, picking them up and trying to figure out which one is the ripest. Baffled? You'll find out here how to tell if watermelon is ripe, from experts.
Honestly, the old saying "you learn something new everyday" certainly applies. I had no clue how to decipher the good from the bad when it comes to watermelon. I heard about the knocking on it trick, but frankly, they all sounded the same to me.
I did some watermelon digging for you (metaphorically speaking) and found some excellent suggestions on how to tell if watermelon is ripe. I consulted The Pioneer Woman, All Recipes and some general Google searches to fin the answers!
There's More Than One How To Tell If Watermelon Is Ripe
There is more than one way to tell if your watermelon is ready to be eaten. But overwhelmingly, the best answer seems to be by lifting it up and looking at the bottom of the fruit. What you want to see is a yellowish spot on the bottom, and here's why: "The easiest thing to inspect on a watermelon is the field spot or ground spot. It's the side of the melon that rests on the field while it's growing and it's easy to find. If this area is yellow, amber, buttery, or creamy in color it means the fruit was left on the vine long enough to get ripe." That is from All Recipes. But all of my searches agreed that is the most important clue. Beware, because if the spot is more whiteish in color, it's not ripe.
There are a few other clues when you're baffled at the supermarket. Here's a handy dandy list of ways to tell if watermelon is ripe. Use it as your guide next time you're going watermelon shopping.
- Look for the field spot- that creamy yellow spot from where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. So pick up the fruit to inspect all sides
- No stem! A stem means the watermelon was picked too soon and didn't have a chance to ripen. It generally falls off the vine when ready to go. A green stem means it was just picked and not ripe. A brown stem where it was cut is better, at least it's had a chance to ripen.
- Avoid the following: Cuts, dents, soft spots, or bruises
- Looks count. You want a round, not irregular shape fruit with a dark, dull skin. Shiny and pale skin is not good
It's watermelon season, so go pick a good one and eat it as is or use in a recipe. One of my favorites is The Pioneer Woman's Watermelon and Feta Salad. You can find that HERE as well as a graphic on picking watermelons. Eating watermelon is a summer treat with a lot less calories than ice cream. So, enjoy!
The 4th of July is almost here! And besides the fireworks and the parades and concerts, it's also a time for barbecues, picnics, and family reunions. Nothing goes better with great food than a delicious, refreshing drink. Make it a festive cocktail and your 4th of July Celebrations have been made even better.
What's great about special 4th of July cocktails is that you can have so much fun with them. There's obviously the red, white, and blue theme. You can use different types of alcohol with your concoctions. And if you're feeling especially adventurous, you can add in some sparklers to make your drink extra festive. There are so many ways to express your creativity, and I'm sure you'll have no problem finding people to taste-test for you.
Besides the physical appearance of the drinks, there are also different variations you can try. There are you regular liquid drinks, you can freeze your creations, and even make some fancy Jello shots sure to please the crowd.
And then the really fun part...naming your drink! Some of the ones I've included are super fun, like "Flirty Firecracker," "Patriotic Punch," and "Red, White, and Blue Slushy." To help you out, here are some of my creations you're welcome to steal.
You get the point. The cornier the better. If nothing else, people will remember your drink. Or depending on how many they have, they may not. Which brings me to this disclaimer...
Wishing you a very Happy 4th of July to enjoy family & friends!
Watermelon Blueberry Sangria
This red (watermelon), white (wine), and blue (blueberry) cocktail looks so refreshing and delicious. I love a good sangria, and this is so easy to make for your cookout crowd.
Triple Berry Vodka Fizz
This easy, juicy, berry drink is sure to be a hit at your 4th of July BBQ. This vodka-based cocktail includes delicious raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Enjoy!
Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
Who doesn't love a good Jello shot? These may take a little work, but the results look beautiful, and your friends are sure to appreciate your hard work.
Red, White, and Blue Slushy
Now this looks delicious and refreshing for a hot and muggy day. Again, this will take a little work, but the results are worth it!
Red, White, and Blue Mojito
If rum's your thing, this is for you! Mojito lovers rejoice and muddle away.
Cherry Firecracker Cocktail
This looks so delicious! Cinnamon, cherry, and ginger beer. Not a combination I would have thought of, but looks and sounds so good!
Patriotic Bomb Pop Cocktails
If you're looking for the ultimate in easy, this is for you! Only two ingredients - champagne or prosecco and bomb pops! Enjoy!
Flirty Firecracker
Impress your family and friends with this pretty and patriotic pineapple vodka cocktail!
Firecracker Margarita
Love that pretty red sugar rim! Get the list of ingredients and full directions HERE.
Red, White, and Hpnotiq Blue Martini
If you're looking for something a little different and love Hpnotiq, this one's for you!
Pop Rocks Rimmed Cocktail
If you love a rimmed cocktail, this one will add a little "pop" to your 4th!
4th of July Sparkler
Fruity and fabulous, this will bring some sparkle to your holiday weekend!
Red, White, and Blue Sangria
Because you can never have enough sangria!
Patriotic Punch
This can be made both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Just make sure you don't get them mixed up!
