How to choose the right watermelon - detailed description and instructions. What to look for when choosing a watermelon How to choose a red ripe watermelon

Watermelon belongs to the melon family, is a summer berry, the pulp of which perfectly quenches thirst on a sunny, sultry day. Ripe fruit is rich in useful vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and folic acid, magnesium, iron, potassium, dietary fiber and peptides.

Knowing the rules on how to choose a watermelon, you can not harm your own health, since only a fruit grown according to all technological standards can be useful.

What are the rules to follow when choosing watermelons?

There are rules and guidelines to help you choose a quality fruit. For example, consider the ripening season. In the store, you can find watermelon berries in early July, when it is naturally impossible to ripen. Such fruits probably contain toxic substances that were used as a treatment for fruits for their early ripening. Buying out of season is unhealthy and very dangerous. The sooner watermelons go on sale, the higher the likelihood of food poisoning. You should not rush and buy such fruits, it is better to do this when they ripen massively at the end of summer.

Tip: It should be remembered that the natural ripening of watermelons falls at the end of August and the beginning of September.

Prefer to shop in designated areas. It is recommended to choose a watermelon in areas suitable for trade (kiosks, market). Such outlets should be equipped with a canopy, and the fruits should be placed in special pallets on legs that do not touch the ground. The sellers must have a sales permit, confirmed by the seal of the relevant authority. This is necessary to prevent bacteria from entering the cracks of the berry, where the pulp becomes a very favorable environment for the life of microbes.

Attention! It is forbidden to breed trade, as well as buy watermelons, on the road, even if the product is certified. During the maturation process, such fruits are saturated with toxins and can cause irreparable harm to health.

Availability of a quality certificate. How to choose a good watermelon in the market or in the market? Any watermelon on the market must have a quality certificate. The buyer has the right to demand this document when it comes to health. The certificate will confirm the timing of the sale of products, their quality. If the seller hands out a photocopy of the document, it is recommended to look at the seal at the bottom of the document - it must be colored, otherwise the paper is considered invalid.

Look out for defects. To choose a ripe watermelon, it is important to inspect its outer shell; there should be no rotten spots on it. The fruit must be intact, without obvious cracks or dents, as bacteria can enter the rotten places or cracks, infecting the entire fruit. By consuming such pulp, you can seriously poison yourself or disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract system. Slices sold for sale, the sale of which is prohibited by the sanitary and epidemiological station, fall under the ban.

What else to consider when buying a watermelon?

When making a purchase of a green berry, pay attention to:

1. The size. Often, when buying, large fruits attract the eye, which do not always contain excellent taste. To find a juicy watermelon for sure, preference should be given to medium-sized varieties.
2. Hard, shiny rind. If the fruit is fully ripe, the skin will be hard, with clear stripes. This rule is due to the fact that when ripe, the tail of the watermelon berry dries out, as the moisture supply stops. By cutting the skin a little, you can smell the cut grass, which indicates the ripeness of the fruit.
3. The degree of banding. Also, an indication that this is a ripe watermelon is its bright and clear stripes. A watermelon that has clear lines of white and green in appearance is considered good buy. If there are blurry stripes and a faint green color, it is better not to buy such a fruit.
4. Yellow barrel. Ripening in the field, the watermelon is in one position, as evidenced by its yellow barrel. If the watermelon is ripe, such a spot will be yellow, if it is slightly white, it is not ripe. After the tail of the berry dries up, the production of chlorophyll stops, under the rays of the sun the fruits will acquire light spots, which also indicates that the fruit is ripe and sweet.
5. Dry tail. One of the most obvious signs of a ripe berry is a shriveled tail. However, it is important to take into account that a shrunken tail may be the result of not fully ripe fruits plucked for a long time, so this sign should be taken into account along with other indicators.
6. Classification of female and male sex. Distinguish between watermelons as "boy" and "girls". If the berry is "boy", then the opposite side of the tail will be convex, and for "girls" it will be flat with a wide circle. The distinction between "boy" and "girl" is important in order to choose a sweet watermelon. "Female fruit" has a sweet and juicy crumb, it contains a minimum of seeds and a maximum of sucrose, it is the most delicious. The "boy" has a lateral spot in the form of a small dot. The "boy" has a large number of seeds inside, and its pulp is of medium sweetness.
7. Voiced or deaf. How to choose the right sounding watermelon? Surprisingly, it is quite possible to identify a watermelon by sound. When tapping on the peel, you should hear not a muffled, but a sonorous sound. Signs that this is a tasty watermelon can be dents and a cracking sound if pressed down. Before serving, the berry must be treated with hot water and laundry soap in order to wash off the transport wax deposit.

Tip: When the fruit is cut, its further storage should be carried out under a film in the refrigerator.

How to determine the presence of nitrates in a watermelon?

During growth, watermelon berries are often "stuffed" with nitrates so that the plants produce larger and heavier fruits. But such fruits are not good for humans. Therefore, you should be able to distinguish between berries in which the content of nitrates exceeds the norm.

1. If the fruits have been processed, they will have a smooth surface when cut. A "clean" watermelon has a grainy cut surface.
2. The nitrate-free fruit contains dark-colored seeds, they are large in size. Fruits with nitrates have small, white seeds.
3. If, when cut, lumps of yellow color were found, the fruit was not grown in a natural way, which means it contains elements harmful to health.
4. A simple determination of nitrates in a berry can be a method of soaking watermelon slices in water. If the watermelon is suitable for consumption, the water will become slightly cloudy; if it is filled with chemicals, the water will turn pink.
5. Fruits treated with chemical reagents are not stored for a long time, while a good watermelon has a shelf life of more than 14 days.
6. Watermelons grown under irrigated conditions should be avoided. Such fruits are grown on private farms, they can be determined by the pale pink pulp with a barely sweetish taste, such fruits do not have a smell.

When choosing a watermelon for the whole family, you should adhere to not one, but at least three recommendations. Knowing how to choose a watermelon, the purchase will be not only useful, but also absolutely safe for health.

"How to choose a watermelon?" - the question arises in the minds of thousands of people, as soon as green-striped handsome men begin to appear on the shelves of shops and markets. The task is not easy, but it can be solved.

It is enough just to remember a few proven ways to identify a ripe and sweet watermelon.

There are a number of characteristics that will help you choose a truly ripe and sweet specimen from a pile of alluring striped fruits. Here is the coveted list:

• the size;
• stain on the side;
• intactness;
• sound when tapped;
• the color and structure of the pulp;
• season;
• the appearance of the crust;
• The "floor" of the watermelon.

In addition, there are quite popular among the people "signs" of ripeness of watermelon, which in fact do not work and will not help you in such a task as choosing a ripe watermelon. The most common of these is the myth that a ripe watermelon should have a dry tail.

Many people try to choose not too large fruit. Someone fears that it will be too heavy and difficult to carry, and some are afraid that the watermelon has become large only because of the abundance of nitrates in it.

But after all, the varieties of watermelons are different, and in some varieties the size of the fruit can reach 20 kilograms. Therefore, when choosing, it is better to give preference to a medium-sized watermelon. The middle ground rule works in this case as well.

Ripe watermelon does not hide "cheeks"

For reference: "cheek" is a small light spot on the side of a watermelon, formed in the place where the watermelon lay when ripe. The spot is not a sign of illness or immaturity, it is just that the sun has not touched this area of ​​the crust.

So, looking at a light speck on the rind will help in how to choose a good watermelon. Everything is simple here: the more yellow it has, the better.

But buying a watermelon with a white circle on its side, you run the risk of running into a tasteless product.

The size of the spot also requires attention. Be aware that a large spot indicates that the watermelon has been ripening for a long time in not too warm conditions. Because of this, the fruit loses its taste and becomes less juicy.

When buying a watermelon from the market or from a car on the side of the road, pay special attention to this characteristic.

Watermelon should never have the following flaws:

• cracks;
• dents;
• incisions;
• rotten areas (even very small ones!).

The fact is that the juicy and nutritious pulp of watermelon is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, which, together with air and roadside dust, can get inside a lot.

Eating a watermelon with such a surprise can lead to poisoning and gastrointestinal upset. The same applies to cut watermelons, so do not seek to save money by buying not a whole watermelon, but only half. This kind of frugality can cost you dearly.

The most commonly used method of testing a watermelon for ripeness is by tapping. But here's the problem: everyone is knocking, but few people remember what the sound should be in a ripe fruit. So remember: a ripe and juicy watermelon makes a ringing, booming sound, and an unripe one - deaf.

An overripe watermelon also sounds dull, in which there is already too much moisture and it has begun to acidify. It is also better to refuse such a purchase. Thus, a ringing sound is good, a dull sound is bad.

To be sure, you can also squeeze your favorite copy with your hands. A slight crackle indicates readiness for use. The main thing is not to overdo it.

Flesh color and structure

And this is already a characteristic that will help you determine the ripeness of the fruit after cutting it. If you are shopping at a supermarket, you can see half a watermelon on the counter.

They are wrapped in cling film, which almost excludes the ingress of bacteria into the pulp, and gives you the opportunity to study the product in detail. So how do you choose a delicious watermelon for its pulp appearance?

Two main positions can be distinguished: color and structure. The color of the flesh should be pinkish.

The scarlet color signals the presence of nitrates or that the watermelon is overripe. Both are not in his favor. The structure must be porous, granular. Such watermelons are sometimes referred to as "sugar".

Sale season

As a rule, they start selling watermelons almost from the beginning of summer. However, if you want to get enough of the real southern fruit, and not the product of chemicals, you will have to wait until about mid-August.

Of course, there are early varieties, but you still need time to transport them. You may be lucky and the July watermelon will indeed be sweet, but it is not known how healthy it will be.

Ripe watermelon is easy to distinguish among fellows, paying attention to the appearance of the peel.

Here a few main signs of a delicious watermelon:

• the stripes forming the pattern must be clear;
• the peel is glossy;
• the crust is hard, it is impossible to damage it without effort;
• if the colored layer of the peel is damaged, a recognizable smell of fresh grass appears.

Signs indicating an immature or disease of the fetus:

• the drawing is broken or uncharacteristic, the stripes are blurred;
• dullness of the peel;
• the crust can be easily damaged even with a fingernail.

Choose a watermelon with a wide spacing between the stripes, as they are considered to be sweeter.

"Half" of watermelon

It is believed that girl watermelons are sweeter than boy watermelons, although the division itself is arbitrary. How to choose a watermelon girl? It is enough to look at the speck left in the place where the flower once was.

If the spot is flat and rather large, then it is a girl. In male watermelons, the spot is convex and smaller in size.

This division has nothing to do with biology and exists only to simplify the selection process. Indeed, girls' watermelons in practice turn out to be more juicy and sweeter. There is an assumption that this is due to the peculiarities of pollination.

Is a dry tail a sign of ripeness?

It is believed that when the watermelon, while ripening, can no longer take in nutrients and moisture, and under its own weight it separates from the bush. Overall, the theory is correct, but it breaks down against the fact that, in practice, the watermelon can be separated from its feeding paths prior to cutting.

And the tail dries up in 3 days, so a green watermelon with a dry tail may well lie on the counter.

If you still do not want to give up this method, pay attention to the tip of the ponytail. Even with a dried stalk, you can tell if it was cut or broken off naturally.

All characteristics listed above are general.

It does not hurt to highlight several varieties of watermelons that fall on the tables more often than others, and emphasize their features.

1. Kherson watermelons... Sugar Kherson watermelons never grow too large, their weight does not exceed 10 kg. If you are shown a twenty-kilogram giant and claim that it is from Kherson, do not believe it. It was either of a different variety, or grew on nitrates alone. The appearance of this variety of watermelons is classic: bright light stripes, an oblong shape, a dull pinkish pulp and a rather thin peel.
2. Crimean Crimson Gloria... This type of watermelon can be really big. The average weight of one specimen can range from 10 to 17 kg. In addition, this type of watermelon is able to withstand long-term transportation. They are also grown in the south of Russia. In appearance they resemble Kherson, but differ in thick skin and great weight.
3. Hybrid chill... The peculiarity of this variety of watermelons is that they can be stored for a very long time, until the New Year. You just need to provide the fetus with comfortable storage conditions. To do this, place it in a dry, dark place. However, representatives of this variety appear on the market only at the beginning of September, as they mature late.
4. Skorik... Watermelons of this variety are early and are among the first to appear on the shelves. They can be distinguished by their dark green uniform color of the skin and low weight - no more than 7 kg.
5. Photon... The same applies to early varieties and differs from Skorik only in that it has a light peel with pronounced stripes.

Market or store?

Wherever you buy this juicy berry, this place must meet certain requirements. Both for the market and for the supermarket they are their own.

Watermelon in the market

To begin with, it should be noted that the market does not mean a spontaneous accumulation of tents near your entrance, but a territory specially designated for this purpose. And the tents by the road are not even considered, since buying a watermelon in them, you can get severe poisoning instead of enjoying the taste.

So, the following requirements must be met by the owner of the outlet selling watermelons:

• the presence of a canopy that protects watermelons from direct sunlight;
• remoteness from the carriageway;
• the storage pallet is located at a height of at least 20 cm from the ground;
• availability of a certificate of the Surveillance Service for each consignment of goods.

Watermelon in the store

When buying a watermelon in a store check the following points:

• watermelons are not stored outdoors, under the sun or near the roadway;
• storage pallets are located at a height of at least 20 cm from the floor and are not damaged in any way;
• availability of the necessary documents for the purchase of goods from trusted suppliers.

Now you know what the perfect watermelon looks like, and you can safely go in search of it. And where to buy and which variety to choose is up to you.

Mother of two children. I have been running a household for over 7 years - this is my main job. I love to experiment, I constantly try various means, methods, techniques that can make our life easier, more modern, richer. I love my family.

The market offers a product of different varieties, dimensions, and places of growth. Each time you have to decide the question - how to choose a watermelon so that it is juicy, tasty, safe for health. There are proven rules.

Sale season

Watermelon is a seasonal product. Better to buy it at a specific time.

When to buy watermelons

The most delicious, juicy specimens ripen no earlier than the second half of August. By this time, they have time to absorb the energy of the sun and nutrients from the soil.

The most delicious, juicy watermelon is late August or September.

It is useless to try to choose a quality option from early watermelons: they are not very tasty, not sweet, saturated with nitrates. The exception is Kuban. But even from here, before the end of June, legal parties do not arrive.

Market or shop

You can choose a quality product in the market or in the store. Each method has its own characteristics and advantages.

Buying on the market:

• It is better to choose melons at the point of sale, away from the highway or industrial plant. They absorb car exhaust, toxins from the air.
• It is useful to take a nitrate meter with you or check this indicator with a supervisory authority on the market.
• It is advisable to buy from trusted sellers. Sometimes distributors come to one place for years, therefore they value their reputation.

The market is understood as an officially operating stationary enterprise.

Shop purchase:

• The store is worried about its reputation.
• The product is easier to choose, since there are almost always cut sample halves.
• Upon purchase, a check is issued. It will come in handy to return money for a low-quality product. Or make a claim in case of health problems.

There are common points. All sellers must have a quality certificate with "wet" (color) printing for a specific batch. It indicates the place, time of harvest, nitrate content, and other characteristics of the crop. If there is no certificate, it is better to choose another place of purchase.

Regardless of the status of the seller, goods sold on the street must be protected from the sun and placed on special flooring (at least 15 cm from the ground).

Methods and rules of choice

The question of how to choose good watermelons is not difficult. It is enough to remember the rules.

Peel appearance

Juicy, tasty watermelon is easy to choose according to the skin condition:

1. The color is uniform. The richer the green, the better.
2. In banded varieties, the stripes are bright, clearly pronounced, contrasting with the main background.
3. Small light spots are acceptable on the surface. They appear when the fruit is ripe and chlorophyll is no longer produced.
4. The rind of a tasty, juicy berry is shiny, glossy. No haze or waxy coating.
5. Structurally rough, comparable to wood. Easy to scratch, but difficult to pierce.
6. May be dotted with brownish spots. This is the "bee's web" - evidence of the pollination of the ovaries. These are the sweetest watermelons.
7. There should be no black dots or injection marks: these are signs of the introduction of nitrate.

Finally, rub the crust with your finger. If you feel the aroma of freshly cut grass, the berry is not ripe. It is unlikely to be tasty.

Better to choose a watermelon with a large distance between the stripes - it is sweeter.

The size and color of the earthen spot

Watermelon, although a sweet, juicy berry, grows on the ground. For months it lies on one side under the sun. A stain forms at the point of contact with the ground. Its color stands out against the general background. This area is called "flank" or "cheek".

It is worth choosing an instance with the following "barrel" characteristics:

• the number is one;
• shade - thick yellow or orange;
• diameter - 6 - 11 cm.

Too large, light, unevenly colored "barrel" occurs in a watermelon, which did not ripen on melons.

A large, light-colored barrel signals: the berry has ripened in an unfavorable climate. It is not so juicy, tasty.

A dry tail is a sign of ripeness

A tasty, juicy specimen is easy to choose by the tail of a watermelon. When it is ripe, the flow of moisture from the ground stops, the tail dries up. A green tail is a sign that the berry was picked unripe. Over time, it turns yellow, dries up, but there are differences:

• the tail of ripe fruits is yellow-brown, easily breaks;
• in immature, lethargic, does not break off; may be dry, but greenish;
• if the peduncle is cut off, the tip of the tail is examined to establish whether it has broken off or has been cut off.

Copies with tails cut off "at the root" should not be chosen.

How to choose a watermelon by weight and size

It's nice to put not a watermelon in front of your family or guests, but a watermelon. But often such specimens are "stuffed" with chemistry. It is dangerous for children, people with poor health.

Experts advise to choose a medium-sized berry - 4 - 7 kg.

Small specimens are not very tasty or juicy. Such "balls" are bought for the winter, salted.
The risky business is to choose a giant watermelon sold in July or early August.

The integrity and integrity of the watermelon

It is easier to choose a sweet, healthy, juicy berry according to the conditions of the peel:

• It should be solid: no dents, soft spots (usually rot), cracks, scratches.

Any damage to the skin is a gateway for dirt, germs, bacteria.

• The same goes for sliced ​​watermelons. Even if the halves covered with cling film are in the store.

Often the seller offers to pick the watermelon in person and cut it. It should be borne in mind that the watermelon is dirty.

How to choose a good watermelon by sound

The classic way to pick a tasty, ripe, juicy specimen is to tap the crust with your knuckles.

When tapped, a juicy ripe fruit will "respond" with a resounding, booming sound, an unripe one - deaf.

Deafly responds when tapping and overripe watermelon with an excess of moisture that begins to "ferment".

You can put your ear to the crust and squeeze the fruit slightly: the ripe crackles or crunches slightly. The main thing is not to overdo it.

Another way to check ripeness. The watermelon is placed on one hand and gently tapped with the other. If vibration from impacts is felt on the holding hand, this berry is tasty, juicy.

Flesh color and structure

The conditions of the pulp are determined after cutting:

• It should be moderately red or pink, depending on the variety. But not purple-scarlet: this color is distinguished by nitrate or overripe specimens.
• The texture of the tasty, juicy pulp is porous, granular sugar. A smooth surface on the cut is a sign of nitrate.
• If it is riddled with white or yellowish streaks, the product is saturated with nitrates and pesticide residues.

The seeds of ripe fruits are dark brown or black. Whites give out nitrate or immature.

How to choose a watermelon girl

Even a person who is far from botany knows: there are watermelons-boys and watermelons-girls.

They differ visually and in taste:

• The lower part ("bottom") is flat, the circle is large brown. In "boys" the bottom is convex, the "ass" is small, more like a point.
• "Girls" are slightly flattened in shape, "boys" are elongated vertically.

Many tend to choose "female" copies. They are considered tastier, sweeter, and juicier.

How to choose a delicious October watermelon

The watermelon season ends at the end of September. However, in October, the remains of the harvest are delivered. In October, it is better to choose an "immature" specimen - with a slightly yellowish barrel and green tail.

Experts say that by October all watermelons ripen, and good ones by the standards of July or August turn out to be overripe in autumn.

The advantage of late watermelons is the lack of "chemistry". But they are just as juicy and tasty.

Precautionary measures

Eating even the "right" watermelon is not worth it right away:

1. First, doused with boiling water, then washed with running water. It is better to use a basin: it is easier to wash and the quality is checked along the way. If the watermelon does not sink, then it is ripe and sweet. It is better to throw out a drowned person or return it to the seller.
2. The nitration is checked by immersing the piece in water. A slightly pinkish coloration of water is acceptable. If it is strongly colored, and the flesh has turned pale, there is an excess of nitrates in it.
3. There are more nitrates near the crust, so the children are given the core - it is the most delicious, juicy, safe.

Juicy watermelon is tasty, low in calories, but you should not get carried away.

The watermelon season is a good time to cleanse the body, saturating it with minerals, vitamins, and other useful nutrients for which the berry is famous. At the same time, enjoy savoring the juicy, deliciously tasty pulp.

The main thing is to choose the "correct" copy.

Sellers promise juicy and sweet fruit, but in reality it turns out green and tasteless. Such disappointment can be avoided if you know exactly how to choose a watermelon according to its external characteristics and other features. A short excursion into the world of flora will show the characteristic features of a ripe, juicy, and most importantly, sweet product.

How to choose a watermelon at a glance

The purchase begins with a visual assessment of the product. The rind is the first thing to look out for. By its appearance, it is easy to determine the quality and ripeness of the selected fruit. Still, it is necessary to consider some of the subtleties of such a "survey".

Although it belongs to the Pumpkin family, it is still a common berry. Why? The whole reason is the presence of a large number of seeds inside it, as well as juicy pulp.

"War paint" watermelon

The camouflage technique is designed to be invisible. However, in the case of watermelon, the situation is very different. It is the color of the peel that can tell about the degree of maturity of the fruit.

Ideal coloration should be:

• richly bright;
• contrasting;
• with a pronounced pattern.

If black dots or puncture holes are visible on the surface, then the berry has been chemically attacked. It was either injected with harmful compounds.

The glossy shade of the rind also indicates the ripeness of the watermelon. The presence of a waxy coating or dullness indicates that the selected specimen is still green. Among other things, the structure of the peel helps to understand how to choose the right watermelon. Its special rigidity is practically not inferior to the elasticity of wood. At the same time, the surface of the berry is easily scratched, but it is very problematic to pierce it with a knife. At the same time, the damaged area emits a pleasant aroma of fresh greenery.

However, it is worth remembering that the fetus must be "safe and sound", without:

• cracks;
• scratches;
• dents;
• rotten spots;
• cuts.

Such defects serve as a kind of "gateway" for the penetration of all kinds of bacteria and microbes. Since the flesh of the berry is sweet, that is, sticky, particles of dirt and dust are attracted to it like a magnet. Therefore, if a half of the cut fruit in a store is covered with cling film, this does not guarantee the hygiene of the package.

The mysterious secret of the watermelon pattern. The greater the distance between the dark and light stripes, the tastier and sweeter the pulp of a juicy berry will be.

When the size of the watermelon matters

Now you need to focus on choosing the size of the fruit. Of course, it should be borne in mind that a lot depends on the variety of the crop, as well as the place of its cultivation. Still, farmers recommend buying medium-sized specimens: from 4 to 9 kg. This “golden mean” rule always works when the buyer does not know how to choose a watermelon. With gigantic specimens, the client is at risk. In most cases, these berries indicate a high content of chemicals. In addition, they could be plucked while still green, so that during transportation they had time to ripen.

Too small fruits are suitable only for salting for the winter, since they do not have the necessary juiciness, as well as sweetness.

Earthen spot of watermelon or the importance of natural "make-up"

The light spot on one side of the fruit is also called the "cheek" or "flank". It can also tell a lot about the peculiarities of growing a crop. In addition, with its help, the buyer immediately understands how to choose a ripe watermelon. Too light shade of the "cheek" indicates an unfavorable climate in which the berry ripened.

The ideal barrel has 3 characteristics:

• diameter - from 6 to 11 cm (depending on the variety);
• quantity - no more than one;
• color - deep yellow or orange.

Business is often a cruel master. Therefore, many farmers collect under-ripened goods. Such watermelons no longer ripen on melons, but in poorly ventilated and often unsanitary conditions.

The "barrel" will help to determine the way of storing the fruit, for which the following are not acceptable:

• uneven color;
• too light shade;
• contour without clear lines;
• unnatural and large stain.

A white earthy spot indicates the low palatability of the berry. Too large "barrel" sizes indicate that the product was kept in a cool, basement room.

Crops grown in this way are often devoid of juiciness and sweetness. In addition, they pose a threat because they have not received enough ultraviolet rays for photosynthesis. To improve the appearance of the watermelon, suppliers will no doubt use chemical additives. Therefore, the buyer needs to look for traces of injections in such specimens.

What the dry tail of a watermelon will tell you about

A dried stalk is an obvious sign of ripeness. Why can such a conclusion be drawn? A fully ripe fruit stops receiving nutrients, as well as moisture. As a result, the stem begins to dry out. The berry separates under its weight. Nevertheless, the described process serves as a wonderful theory, but there is one minor detail.

As noted earlier, farmers very often cut off the fruits until the crop is fully ripe. Within 3 days, the tail has time to dry. This is how unripe goods with a dry stalk appear on the counter. After such a discovery, many began to worry about another question, how to choose a ripe and sweet watermelon, given this marketing "scam".

To do this, you just need to closely examine the cut of the stem:

• if it is even, it means it was cut off with a knife;
• torn edge - broken off naturally;
• part of the tail at the base is more dried out than at the edge - it ripened on its own.

Still, some advise not to attach much importance to the external features of the peduncle. This feature should be just an additional information, and not the main characteristic of the ripeness of the product.

Pulp analysis for scrupulous buyers

The suggested options for how to choose a sweet watermelon may seem like insufficient reason to buy to some. For this reason, experts advise looking inside the unusual berry by slicing at the top. In addition, many are not going to buy a whole watermelon, they only need halves, which are often sold in supermarkets.

In this case, you should take a closer look at:

• shade of pulp;
• fiber structure;
• cut surfaces;
• porosity.

An intense red color, sometimes with a purple undertone, is an unambiguous sign of the product's nitrate content. When cut, the edge of a ripe fruit will surely sparkle with sugar grains, and not “sparkle” with a smooth glossy surface. The pulp fibers should be white, without unnatural yellowness. A deep pink color is considered the ideal shade of watermelon. Otherwise, there is a "chemical mutant" on the counter.

The more porosity and graininess of the pulp, the sweeter and tastier the berry will be.

An unusual symphony or how to determine the ripeness of a watermelon by sound

This is the most effective and popular method for recognizing the ripeness of a striped fruit. Tapping is done with the palm, fist, knuckles, or flick of the index finger.

In any case, it is easy to determine the quality of the product by the sound:

• sonorous, with a slight resonance speaks of ripeness, as well as juiciness of the berry;
• the deaf characterizes the high sugar content in the fruit, which means its incredible sweetness;
• strongly muted indicates that the pulp is still green or already overripe.

You need to check the ripeness of the watermelon correctly. The fruit is placed on one hand. The other palm is used to make a “barrel” clap. A ripe berry gives off vibrating vibrations to the hand and has a rolling sound.

Under the blow, ripe specimens always spring. Therefore, it is sometimes recommended to compress them. When pressed, the fruit must crunch. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the moisture in the pulp is distributed between the fibers. As you know, it is water, in this case berry juice, that has unique acoustic properties. Therefore, the ripeness of the fruit is most often determined by the knock.

Difference of watermelon "by gender": boy or girl

It is noteworthy, but the taste of watermelon depends on belonging to a certain "sex". “Female” specimens differ from “masculine” ones in their special juiciness and sweetness.

Several unique signs will help to recognize a "girl" among the many options:

When buying a watermelon, it should be borne in mind that almost 80% of the harvest comes from "boys". Therefore, finding a "girl" on the market is a rarity.

The lower part of the boy-watermelons has a concave funnel-shaped edge. The dried circle is more like a point that does not stand out too much against the general background. In size, "girls" are an order of magnitude smaller than "boys". In addition, very few seeds are present in female berries.

Season of the sale of watermelon - the leading aspect of the choice

the sale of this seasonal product directly affects its quality. Since watermelon is a southern crop, the fruits begin to ripen in August. This is how the active sales season begins from the middle of the month. If the sale is carried out at the beginning of summer, then we can safely say that the product is 70-80% chemical. Such specimens may and will be relatively sweet, yet you can forget about their benefits.

The end of the sales season falls at the end of September. But how then to choose a delicious watermelon in October? By this time, farmers have finished collecting the remnants of the crop, which is considered environmentally friendly, because there is practically no chemistry in it.

The following features are characteristic of the ideal October watermelon:

• green tail;
• yellow cheek;
• unripe fruit.

When buying a watermelon, you should know that breeders have successfully bred early varieties of the crop. However, you should always make a discount on the time of transportation from the southern regions. As a result, the appearance of striped fruits in June or July is too dubious.

With these 8 signs of choosing a sweet and ripe watermelon, shoppers can always benefit. In addition, they will never waste their money and protect their families from low-quality products.

Ten rules for choosing a ripe healthy watermelon - video

About a week remains before the official start of the season for the sale of watermelons, but unauthorized trade in melons on the streets of Moscow has been going on since mid-July. Consumers are outraged not only by the high price, but also by the quality of the fruits: watermelons, which are artificially ripened with the help of nitrates, pose a health hazard.

At the same time, sellers of watermelon breakdowns in most cases cannot present either a trade permit or quality certificates.

The permit for the sale of melons will be valid from 1 August. The Department of Consumer Market and Services in Moscow explained that it is not recommended to buy watermelons before this date - it is better to wait until the end of summer, when they are definitely ripe.

The number of melons and gourds in the capital this summer will be almost two times less than last year - total 450 . In addition, retail outlets will operate under the new rules. Sellers are required to work in special clothing, have a medical record and documents confirming the quality of the products.

Where to choose watermelons

Sale of melons "from the ground" is prohibited in Moscow. Sales outlets should be equipped with mesh chests and special scales instead of household, medical and postal scales. Sellers should not cut and sell watermelons and melons in slices.

In addition, visual information about the operating mode of the outlet and the legal address of the trade organization should be placed on the tray or breakup.

To protect yourself, it is best not to buy watermelons at "spontaneous" ruins, where the products are not checked by sanitary services, and always ask if they have any documents. And even more so, you should not buy at the roadside collapses: there the products absorb toxins.

Some producers stimulate the ripening of melons with nitrogen fertilizers, which leads to the accumulation of nitrates in watermelons. The consequences of their use can be serious - acute infectious poisoning or chronic intoxication, which doctors call the "cumulative effect".

How to identify a nitrate "bomb"

It is impossible to determine the nitrate watermelon by eye if it is not cut. You shouldn't even try a berry if its pulp is laced with yellow or light yellow fibers or has a purple tint.

If you soak the pulp of a nitrated watermelon in water, it will turn red or pink due to the high content of nitrates. A "healthy" watermelon will make the water slightly cloudy.

If you knock on a nitrate watermelon, you feel as if you are hitting a lowered ball. In appearance, such a watermelon may be ripe, but if it does not crack when squeezed, it means that it has ripened not without someone else's "help"

What a flawless watermelon should look like

There is a widespread belief that a large watermelon is "nitrate". This is not true: for example, for the "chill" variety, 10-20 kilograms is far from the limit.

The ideal watermelon should be large enough, not very heavy and with a distinct striped pattern. In order to determine the natural ripeness of a watermelon, first of all, you need to pay attention to the stalk - the tail at the top of the fruit must be dry.

The purchased watermelon should not have cuts and cracks - through which microbes that cause intestinal infections get inside.

There is a myth that a ripe watermelon should ring when you pat it with the palm of your hand. In fact, the sound depends on whether the flesh has softened inside or not. It is the green fruit that will ring, and the ripe watermelon should be deaf.

The crackle that a watermelon makes when squeezed with your hands is a good sign. You can safely buy such a product.

The earthen spot at the bottom of the side should preferably be yellow, not white.

And the last thing. A ripe watermelon can be easily scratched - sliding your fingernail over it will easily remove the top layer of the skin.

When choosing a melon, connoisseurs advise paying attention to the aroma that its peel should exude, to the softness that is felt to the touch, and also to the absence of light brown spots.

What to do in case of "nitrate" poisoning

In addition to nitrates, watermelons can contain microbes and even heavy metals. In case of poisoning, it is necessary to drink as much water as possible to prevent dehydration and reduce the manifestations of the disease.

Is watermelon so useful

There is conflicting information about the benefits of watermelons. Some say that the fiber of watermelons contains potassium, which is washed out of the body when taking diuretics. Therefore, it is advised to consume watermelons for diseases such as cystitis and nephritis.

At the same time, there is an opinion that, although all melons and gourds contain fiber, it is poorly absorbed, loading the stomach. That is why doctors advise children and the elderly over 50 years old to give up juicy fruits.

The material was prepared by the Internet edition of www.rian.ru based on information from RIA Novosti and open sources