While hefting candidate watermelons at the market, my wife said that the way to pick a good watermelon is to look for bee stings on them. “Bees don’t sting watermelons.” “Yes, they do. That’s how they get the nectar. They sting the ripe ones.” I was stunned that my wife could believe this.
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.
Do bee stings make watermelon sweeter?
The webbing on a watermelon, the more a bee pollinated the flower. The more pollination, the sweeter the fruit!
Why do watermelons have scars?
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.
Do bees make watermelon?
Yes, bees are vital for pollinating watermelons not only for the plant to be able to produce an abundance of fruit, but also to ensure that the watermelons are healthy, and with a good shape. Pollination by bees also affects the sweetness of the fruit. What is this?
Why do you tap on watermelon?
Knocking on a watermelon is a commonly used way to test if the fruit is fresh and ripe. If you knock on a watermelon and it makes a hollow sound, that’s a sign that it’s ripe. If it sounds like it’s full, it’s not ready yet.
Why does watermelon sometimes taste like onions?
Years later, when I learned how to cook, I figured out why my Grade 2 watermelon tasted like an onion. The kuya who prepared the watermelon slices must have used an unwashed kitchen knife. Most likely, he used the knife for slicing onions first, then used it for slicing the watermelon.
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.
What should a good watermelon sound like?
A ripe watermelon should have a deep sound when you thump it with your hand or fist, somewhat resembling a tenor. If it has a hollow or flat sound, it’s likely overripe (6). Try tapping a watermelon with your hand or fist. A ripe one delivers a deep sound, whereas an overripe one sounds hollow or flat.
How do you tell if it’s a good watermelon?
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 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 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.
Why is my melon transparent?
Honeydew melons get softer and juicer with time, so you can leave them out at room temperature until ready to eat. The melon should get more fragrant as it softens, but if you wait too long the flesh turns transparent and nearly dissolves into juice.
What animal pollinates watermelon?
Pollination Recommendations: Honey bees remain the pollinator of choice for watermelon, readily providing the large numbers of visits required to set high quality fruit. In larger fields at least, addition of honey bees should be added to improve pollination at a rate of 1-2.5 strong colonies per hectare.
Does watermelon have nectar?
Bees can forage pollen and nectar from watermelon but the flowers aren’t particular attractive if alternative forage exists nearby.
Do watermelons have male and female flowers?
The watermelon is part of the botanical family called Cucurbitaceae. These plants are monoecious – producing both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers on the same plant.
Should watermelon be refrigerated?
Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Does the color of a watermelon matter?
The colour of the rind is extremely important. The ideal, perfectly ripe watermelon should be dark green in colour and dull looking. If it’s shiny, it’s not ripe yet. Another important thing to look for the field spot.
Why are hollow watermelons better?
If the pitch sounds deep and hollow, the fruit has more water and is likely riper.
What is orange watermelon called?
Citrullus lanatus
Orange watermelons, botanically classified as Citrullus lanatus, are a specialty type of melon belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. There are several types of Orange watermelons, including seeded and seedless varieties, and the colored fruits are valued for their unique flesh tones, sweet flavor, and aqueous nature.
Why is my watermelon white inside?
White flesh in a watermelon can indicate that the watermelon is not yet ripe. These fruits take a long time to ripen and become red, so if you pick the watermelon too early, it will be white inside.