There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold slice of watermelon on a hot summer day — but picking the right one can be tricky. A good watermelon is juicy, sweet, and crisp, while a bad one may be dry, mealy, or flavorless. Thankfully, there are proven methods to help you choose the perfect melon every time. Whether you’re at a supermarket or a farmer’s market, you can make a smart pick using only your eyes, hands, and a little knowledge.

First, focus on the shape. A symmetrical watermelon — whether round or oval — is a good sign it grew evenly, meaning better flavor and texture. Avoid any melons with lumps, dents, or bulges. Next, check the field spot (the pale patch on the rind). A creamy yellow field spot suggests the melon ripened on the vine and will be sweet. In contrast, a pale or white field spot indicates early harvesting and likely bland flavor.

The skin also reveals important clues. A dull or matte finish is ideal — shiny skin usually means the melon is underripe. Press gently on the rind; it should be firm and resist pressure. If the rind feels soft or mushy, the melon might be spoiled. Then, use the tap test: knock on the melon and listen. A ripe one gives a deep, hollow sound like a drum, while an underripe or overripe one will sound dull.

Weight is another useful indicator. Pick up a few melons of similar size — the heavier one is likely juicier and riper. Also, don’t be alarmed by sugar speckles or webbing (those tan, web-like lines on the skin). These marks are signs of pollination and often mean a sweeter melon. If the stem is still attached, look for a dry, brown stem — this means the fruit ripened naturally on the vine. A green stem suggests it was picked too early.

To sum up, look for a symmetrical shape, creamy field spot, dull skin, deep tapping sound, noticeable weight, sugar speckles, and a dry stem. Avoid shiny, pale, lumpy, or soft melons. With these easy visual and tactile clues, you can pick a ripe, flavorful watermelon every time — no guesswork or cutting required.