Food - Drink
Why You Should Consider A Watermelon's Shape When Buying One
By AUTUMN SWIERS
The outside of a watermelon can reveal a lot about what’s on the inside, and a symmetrical watermelon is what you should be looking out for. Symmetry isn’t just a beauty standard for people, but for fruits, too, so whether it’s oblong or oval-shaped, make sure your fruit is firm and uniform.
According to Healthline, dents and perforations in the surface of your watermelon can be signs of rot or potential spoilage. Similarly, bumps and an irregular overall shape can be signs of inconsistent watering during growing, or even incomplete pollination.
Daniel Egel of the Purdue University Agricultural Center says a smooth rind indicates a firm, ripe fruit, while overly lumpy rinds indicate a discolored rim on the inside. If the ends of your melon look pointy or thinner than the center, give the watermelon more time to ripen up and further develop its shape before slicing.