How to Pick the Perfect Watermelon + What to Do With It All Summer Long 🍉

We love watermelon in the summertime! 🍉 It's the perfect poolside snack, backyard BBQ side dish, or refreshing treat on a hot day. Sweet, juicy, hydrating—it checks all the boxes for a summer favorite.

Not to mention, it's the only fruit in the grocery store capable of enforcing teamwork between my two boys. 😂 Watching them transform into a superhero brother duo to hoist a 15-pound watermelon from the bottom of the giant cardboard produce display and safely into the cart (without dropping or smashing it!) is quite the sight. If that's not teamwork, I don't know what is!

After watching my boys put in all that effort to wrestle a watermelon into the cart, I feel a little pressure to make sure we pick a good one! Over the years, I've learned a few tricks for spotting a ripe, sweet watermelon at the store. Before you grab the first one you see, here are three tips to help you choose a winner:

🍉 1. Check the Field Spot

Look for a golden-yellow field spot—the area where the watermelon rested on the ground while it was growing.

✅ Golden yellow: Likely ripe, sweet, and ready to enjoy!

❌ White or pale green: May have been picked too early and could be less flavorful.

⚖️ 2. Pick It Up

✅ Heavier than it looks: Usually means it's packed with water, making it juicier and sweeter.

💡 When comparing watermelons of similar size, choose the one that feels the heaviest.

👂 3. Give It a Tap

Yes, tapping a watermelon is actually a thing!

✅ Deep, hollow sound: A good sign that it's juicy and ripe.

❌ Dull "thud" sound: May indicate an overripe watermelon.

🍉 What to Do With Your Watermelon

Once you've picked the perfect watermelon, it's time for the fun part—eating it! While my boys are perfectly happy with simple slices, there are so many delicious ways to enjoy this summertime favorite!

🔪 Keep It Simple

Sometimes less is more! A cold slice of watermelon straight from the fridge is hard to beat on a hot summer day. It's refreshing, hydrating, and always a kid favorite!

🍹 Blend It Into a Watermelon Margarita

When it’s time to unwind, I love blending fresh watermelon into a watermelon margarita. The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with lime and tequila for a refreshing summer cocktail that's perfect for backyard BBQs and patio nights.

🥗 Make a Watermelon, Feta & Mint Salad

This is one of my favorite summer side dishes! Sweet watermelon, salty feta, and fresh mint create the perfect combination of flavors. Sometimes I’ll add a little drizzle of honey or agave! It's light, refreshing, and I always love having a healthy side at our neighborhood cookouts!

💡 Time for a tip

🍉 Counter or Fridge? Keep whole watermelons on the counter for the best flavor (7-10 days) and move them to the fridge once cut (3-5 days). Enjoy!!

Watermelon is one of my go-to summer staples because it’s effortless, refreshing, and always a hit. I love it sliced cold from the fridge, blended into a fun cocktail, or tossed into a quick salad when I want something fresh and light. I hope this gives you a few new ways to enjoy it at home! ❤️

Cheers,

𝓜𝓲𝓪 ✨