Secrets to Picking the Sweetest, Juiciest Watermelon

Watermelon is the epitome of summer, but choosing a ripe, sweet one can be tricky.

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Look for a creamy yellow "ground spot" where it rested on the ground.

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Avoid melons with cuts, dents, soft spots or bruises.

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The rind thumping and weight tests can sometimes indicate ripeness.

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Always wash the rind before cutting to prevent transferring bacteria.

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Seedless or seeded is just personal preference, not an indicator of quality.

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"Hollow heart" is an imperfection, but the melon is still safe to eat.

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More webbing on the rind usually means sweeter flesh inside.

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