7 Easy Ways To Tell If Watermelon Is Sweet Without Cutting

(Images credit: Freepik)

Look for the Field Spot

Check for a creamy yellow patch on the watermelon’s skin. This “field spot” shows where the melon rested on the ground and ripened in the sun. The deeper the yellow, the sweeter the watermelon.

Inspect the Skin Color

Choose a watermelon with a dark green, dull-looking rind rather than shiny. A dull surface usually means the fruit is ripe and sweet.

Check the Shape

Pick a watermelon that is symmetrical and uniform in shape—round or oval. Irregular bumps or dents might mean uneven growth and less sweetness.

Knock and Listen

Tap the watermelon with your fingers. A ripe and sweet one will produce a deep, hollow sound. A dull or flat sound could mean it’s underripe or overripe.

Examine the Tail

Look at the watermelon’s tail or stem. A green tail means the melon was picked too early, while a dried brown tail indicates it’s ripe and ready.

Feel the Weight

Pick up the watermelon—heavier melons generally have more water content, making them juicier and sweeter.

Check for Sugar Spots and Webbing

Brown, rough patches called sugar spots or web-like veins on the rind show where sugar is seeping out, indicating a sweet fruit inside.