The fruit is a round or oval watermelon with a firm, smooth rind that’s typically green with darker marks or stripes. Depending on the cultivar, the fruit can range anywhere between 6 to 50 pounds, and in some rare instances, as much as 200 pounds.
Is a watermelon supposed to be heavy?
A sweet and ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. This usually means that it’s full of water and therefore juicier. In fact, water and fiber content seem to determine a healthy weight in fruits, including watermelon ( 7 ). Watermelons are 91% water — a characteristic that explains its name.
How heavy is a personal watermelon?
Description/Taste
The rind may be a solid dark green, or variegated with stripes of deep and lime green. Each melon averages 15 to 10 centimeters in diameter and are approximately 4 to 6 pounds in weight.
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.
How can you tell a good 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.
What is the heaviest watermelon?
“The Guinness Book of World Records” reports the largest watermelon ever grown to be one of ten giant fruit harvested in 1990 in Arrington, Tennessee, by Mr. Bill Carson and weighing 262 pounds (118.7 kg).
Are thumb watermelons real?
This variety of watermelon that can fit in your pocket is called ‘thumb-sized watermelon’ and it’s more scientific name is ‘Pepquino’. It originated in South America and is a superb fruit with a very high nutritional value. ‘Pepquino’ has the same appearance as a normal watermelon.
When should you not eat a watermelon?
If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it. If it looks fine but has a sour or ~off~ smell, that’s another indication that this watermelon is no good.
Can you get sick from overripe watermelon?
Consuming spoiled watermelon can quickly lead to food poisoning. The first signs that something is wrong will appear within a few hours and include: Fatigue and headache. Nausea and vomiting.
Is it OK to eat light pink watermelon?
You can check the concentration of nitrates in a watermelon and avoid poisoning by placing a little piece of its pulp into clean water at room temperature. If the fruit is dangerous, the water will take on a bright pink color and you’re better off throwing the melon away.
What color watermelon is the sweetest?
yellow
According to the experts at the Watermelon Board, yellow and orange watermelons are generally sweeter than those with pink or red flesh. Seedless watermelons tend to have a crisper texture than those with seeds, they add.
Why do you knock on watermelon?
Do a thump test. A ripe watermelon should have a deep hollow sound when you thump the rind with your hand, similar to a knock on the door. An unripe melon will have a more high-pitched resonance, whereas an overripe melon will sound more like a thud.
Can dogs have watermelon?
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
What is the heaviest fruit?
Although you would be forgiven for thinking otherwise, watermelons aren’t the world’s largest fruit. That record title belongs to another fruit which is often mistaken as a vegetable – the Atlantic giant pumpkin, an orange fruit of the squash Cucurbita maxima, native to North America.
What is the heaviest vegetable?
Although this giant cabbage cited in the Guinness Book seems unbeatable for the title of “World’s Largest Vegetable,” there are tropical yams belonging to the genus Dioscorea that may be 6 to 9 feet long (2-3 m) and weigh 150 pounds (68 kg) or more, although they are usually harvested at about 2-6 pounds.
What’s the biggest fruit in the world?
Then again, the jackfruit is not your typical fruit. It’s got a distinctive, musky smell, and a flavor that some describe as like Juicy Fruit gum. It is the largest tree fruit in the world, capable of reaching 100 pounds.
Do giant watermelons taste good?
These are perfect for parties and large gatherings but may be too much melon for a small family, a smaller garden or in a community garden plot. During our tastings we learned that the larger melons actually have a much more pronounced “watermelon” flavor.
Is watermelon healthy to eat?
Packed with nutrients and beneficial plant compounds
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. It’s also relatively low in calories, containing just 46 per cup (152 grams) ( 5 ).
What is the biggest strawberry in the world?
10.19 ounces
But our jaws dropped when, this month, an Israeli farmer named Ariel Chahi was found to have the world’s heaviest (and largest) strawberry. Guinness World Records certified the official weight of the berry at 10.19 ounces or 289 grams and 7 inches long with a circumference over 13 inches.
Why is my watermelon dark green?
The bigger and darker the patch is, the better. Watermelons should be a darker green. Very light watermelons may not have ripened long enough on the vine. The watermen should have contrasting dark with lighter stripes.
Are mouse melons real?
They can be eaten raw, used in stir fries, or pickled like cucumbers. The young, tender fruits are best for eating raw, while the older fruits with more developed seeds are better for pickling. Mouse melon is as easy to grow as regular cucumbers and does best in humus-rich, well-drained soil in full sun.