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 a watermelon?
Probably one of the most important indicators of the quality of the watermelon is the field spot of the melon. Inspect your watermelon and locate a large, discolored spot on the surface, also known as the field spot. This marking shows where the watermelon sat on the ground as it ripened.
What do dark spots on a watermelon mean?
This spot is usually yellow or dark yellow and it indicates what side the watermelon laid on in the field. These spots tend to scare people because they aren’t aesthetically pleasing, but that is not the case – when watermelons have dark yellow spots, this means the melon is sweet.
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.
How can you tell if a watermelon is pollinated?
How Can You Tell if a Watermelon Has Been Pollinated?
- Watermelon vines produce both male and female flowers.
- Pollen from the male flowers must reach the flowers of the female plants for pollination to occur.
- The presence of swelling at the pistil’s base is a telltale sign that pollination has occurred.
How do you know when watermelon goes bad?
The easiest way to tell is to check the skin for any soggy spots and patches of greenish-blue, black, or white mold. Even if the exterior looks OK, there’s a chance that the fruit could have gone bad. If the flesh has noticeable dark spots or is covered in anything slimey, you should toss it.
How can you tell if a watermelon is male or female?
There is no such thing as a boy versus girl watermelon, even though there are male and female watermelon flowers. North Carolina is in peak watermelon season right now, so regardless of the size or variety, your watermelon should taste sweet and juicy.
How do you tell if a watermelon is ripe?
Tricks to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe
- The green color becomes dull.
- On a striped melons, the color between the stripes gets darker.
- The rind will get hard.
- The blossom end will soften.
- They will stop getting larger.
- The ground spot will turn from white to yellow.
Can I eat watermelon with 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.
What does an over ripe watermelon look like?
An over-ripe melon will have paler pink flesh, more a shell pink than hot pink. The rind may be greener, and the outside will be more splotchy or discolored. If there are any dark blotches, consider the melon over-ripe and choose another one.
Does watermelon go bad before cutting?
Like most other foods, watermelon can quickly spoil. Pre-cut watermelon packages always had an expiration date on the label, and you should take it seriously. The problem is that spoiled watermelon may look and smell regular, but its sour taste discovers that it is no longer edible.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Do you need 2 watermelon plants to get fruit?
Healthy watermelon vines produce 2-4 fruits per plant. The vines produce both male and female flowers. Both are needed to set fruit and there are fewer female flowers compared to male, about one female for every seven males.
Are you supposed to turn watermelons as they grow?
Yes! We always recommend you rotate crops in your garden as much as possible to prevent diseases and pests. Watermelons should not come after or before any other melons, and if possible, any other members of the cucurbit family (winter squash, cucumbers, zucchini, summer squash, pumpkins).