The scarring on the outside of the rind occurs from numerous bee stings, signifying the fruit is ripe. The more scarring indicates an increased number of bees that were attracted to it. So remember that scarring is a good thing. You do not, however, want fruit that is bruised, dented or unintentionally cut.
What do scratches on watermelon mean?
Look for those weblike/brown scratch-like spots. These mean that bees touched the pollinating parts of the flower many times, so brown scratches/spots mean more pollination, aka that the watermelon will likely be sweeter!
What are the marks on watermelon?
Look for an orange creamy field spot. The darker yellow field spot usually means it was on the vine longer and is full of flavor. If the field spot is white that’s a sign that the melon is not quite ripe. Larger “webbing” or “sugar spots” means that the melon is seeping out sugar and is usually the sign of sweet melon.
Why do watermelons get black spots?
A lack of calcium ultimately causes rapidly developing cells in fruits to collapse on themselves, turning the blossom end of the watermelon into a black, leathery lesion. Blossom rot in watermelons is caused by a lack of calcium, but simply adding more calcium isn’t going to help the situation.
What is a scar in fruits?
Fruit damage occurs when immature thrips nymphs feed on the surface of tiny fruit, just as it begins to develop. Feeding creates scars on the fruit surface and these scars enlarge as the fruit grows. These insects often begin feeding even before the flower petals have dropped from the newly forming fruit.
Do bees leave marks on watermelons?
The short answer is: There is no evidence that bees sting watermelons and cause a mark on the outer flesh that signifies sweetness. However, it may be that pollination by bees affects the sweetness of watermelons.
What do bee stings on a watermelon mean?
Bee Stings and White Scars – Look for these little guys. These little marks show that it’s sweet enough that even the bees were trying to get to the inside. The stings look like brown lines or dots on the melon. Sweet Aroma – Scratch a bit off the green skin.
Is watermelon OK for dogs?
Only give your dog seedless watermelon or pieces of watermelon from which you’ve removed all of the seeds. Scoop out the fruit with a melon baller or cut it into small bites, being careful to remove any part of the rind.
Why do you tap on watermelon?
Another way to check the ripeness is by the sound a watermelon makes when you tap or slap it.
How can you tell if a watermelon is overripe?
Consumers who still want to thump the watermelon should listen closely when their finger flicks the fruit. “An unripe watermelon will ‘ping’ when thumped. An overripe watermelon will ‘thud. ‘ The one you want to buy is somewhere in between,” Egel said.
Can you eat watermelon rind necrosis?
“It’s strictly a cosmetic problem,” Egel says. Necrotic spots visible inside the rind of cut fruit don’t affect taste, Brix or shelf life, Paret says.
Are watermelons sprayed with pesticides?
Watermelon has some of the least amount of pesticides when compared to other fruits. They also contain a surprising health benefit; consuming watermelon may help relieve muscle soreness.
Why do watermelons rot on one end?
Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruit. This may be due to a lack of calcium uptake from the soil or to extreme fluctuations in water supply. Incidence of blossom-end rot is also increased where there is a low ratio of calcium to certain other nutrients such as potassium and nitrogen.
Why does a fruit have 2 scars?
What are the recognizable differences between a seed and a fruit? (Answer: A seed has one scar of attachment to the placenta while a fruit has two scars: the scar of attachment to the style and scar of attachment to the flower stalk.
How many scars does a seed have?
B. Have two scars but seed have one.
What is a scar in a seed?
The hilum is the scar on the seed coat through which seeds are attached to the fruit.
What is the sweetest watermelon?
Sultan. Sultan is one of the sweetest varieties you’ll find, this one measures 12.3 on the Brix scale. The fruits average 15 pounds and ripen within 95 days.
How do you know a watermelon is ripe and sweet?
Ground Spots and Sugar Spots
Or, if there is a ground spot but it’s more white than yellow, that is also an indication that it may have been picked from the vine too early. A yellow ground spot is the best sign that the watermelon is ripe and plenty sweet.
How do you pick a good watermelon tap?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
How can you tell if a watermelon is crisp?
Instructions
- Find the Field Spot – Look for a deep yellow color.
- Pick a Dull Looking Watermelon – A shiny appearance indicates an underripe melon.
- Knock on It with Your Knuckles – Your knuckles should bounce off the melon, and the surface should be pretty hard/firm.
Can bees eat watermelon?
The nutrients contained in watermelon are attractive to honey bees. In fact, any fruit with moisture and sugar content are a major draw, especially during a dearth. Watermelon has a 92% water content which makes it appealing to our bees. During the middle of the summer when nothing is blooming, the bees need to be fed.