Watermelon is a delightful summer treat, and few things are as refreshing as biting into a juicy, sweet slice of refrigerator watermelon on a hot day. But choosing the perfect watermelon can be a little tricky, especially when it comes to determining its ripeness. The good news is that there are several indicators you can look for to ensure that you are selecting a ripe and flavorful icebox watermelon. In this article, we will explore the key factors that can help you determine when an icebox watermelon is ready to be picked, ensuring a delightful and satisfying eating experience.
Look for the stem
One of the first signs of a ripe icebox watermelon is the condition of its stem. Examine the stem closely and look for signs of drying or browning. If the stem appears green and fresh, this indicates that the watermelon is not yet ripe. However, if the stem is brown and dried out, it is a good indication that the watermelon is ready to be harvested.
Checking the color and shine
The color and sheen of the watermelon’s rind can provide valuable insight into its ripeness. A ripe refrigerator watermelon typically has a dull, matte appearance rather than a shiny surface. In addition, observe the color of the watermelon’s rind. While shades can vary by variety, a ripe watermelon usually has a vibrant, deep color. For example, a dark green or black rind is often a sign of ripeness for some varieties.
Look for the yellow belly
The underside, or belly, of a cantaloupe watermelon can provide important clues about its ripeness. Look at the part of the watermelon that was in contact with the ground while growing. If this area has turned yellow, it indicates that the fruit is ripe. On the other hand, if it remains pale or green, the watermelon may need more time to ripen.
Knock and listen
Another popular method of determining the ripeness of a watermelon is the “tapping” technique. Gently tap the watermelon with your knuckles and listen to the sound it makes. A ripe watermelon typically produces a hollow and deep sound, similar to a drum. If the sound is dull or flat, it may indicate that the fruit is not fully ripe.
Consider size and weight
Icebox watermelons are generally smaller than traditional watermelons, but they should still have a good weight. When you pick up a potential candidate, pay attention to its weight. A ripe watermelon will feel heavy for its size, indicating that it is filled with sweet, juicy flesh. If the watermelon feels light or too heavy for its size, it may not be fully ripe.
Evaluating the Sugar Spot
Icebox watermelons, like their larger counterparts, develop a “sugar spot” as they ripen. This sugar spot is a yellow or creamy spot on the rind of the watermelon where it rested on the ground. When the sugar spot appears, it indicates that the watermelon has reached optimal sweetness. Look closely at the bottom of the watermelon and look for this yellowish discoloration. The presence of a well-developed sugar spot is a good indication that the watermelon is ready to be picked and enjoyed.
Trust Your Senses
While there are several visual and tactile clues to determine the ripeness of an icebox watermelon, it’s also important to trust your senses, especially your sense of smell. Take a moment to sniff the stem end of the watermelon. A ripe watermelon will give off a sweet, fruity aroma. If you detect a subtle scent, it’s a positive sign that the watermelon is ripe and ready to eat. In addition, you can rely on your instinct by considering your overall experience when selecting watermelons. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of what a ripe refrigerator watermelon feels, looks, and smells like.
Conclusion
Selecting a perfectly ripe icebox watermelon is a rewarding experience that guarantees a burst of refreshing sweetness. By considering the stem, color, luster, belly color, sound, size, weight, rind texture, sugar spot, and trusting your senses, you can become more confident in determining the ripeness of an icebox watermelon. Keep in mind that these indicators may vary slightly from variety to variety, so it’s always helpful to consult with local farmers or experienced gardeners who can provide additional insight. With practice, observation, and a little intuition, you will soon become adept at selecting the juiciest, most delicious icebox watermelons for your summer enjoyment.
FAQs
How can you tell when an icebox watermelon is ready to pick?
Icebox Watermelons are also ready to pick when the spot that touches the ground turns to a creamy yellow color.
These include:
- Fully round fruit that weighs between six and 10 pounds.
- Dark green leaves.
- Dull green rind (not bright green)
- Brown tendril close to melon.
- A hollow sound when you thump against the fruit.
When should I pick my icebox watermelon?
Because of its size, it fits well in the refrigerator, hence the name. An icebox watermelon — like all watermelons –is best harvested when ripe. Expect to harvest an icebox watermelon approximately 78 days after planting, making sure it meets several criteria first to ensure it is ripe enough for picking.
How big do icebox watermelons get when ripe?
Icebox watermelons, including ‘Sugar Baby’, earn their name from their small fruit, which weighs in at 6 to 15 pounds and measures 6 to 10 inches across. Where full-size watermelons need a cool basement, spring house or walk-in cooler for storage, icebox watermelons fit easily into a standard fridge or picnic hamper.
How do you know if a supermarket watermelon is ripe?
Look for the yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they rest on the ground. When this splotch is creamy yellow, it’s ripe. Give it a thump: Tap the underbelly of the watermelon. A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound, which means it is brimming with juice and at the peak of its ripeness.
Can you pick a watermelon too early?
Once picked, watermelon fruits stop ripening and fruits picked too early may be destined for the compost pile instead of the dinner table. It’s important to allow your watermelon time to reach full maturity in the garden. Know the signs that your watermelon has ripened to avoid early harvest.
How big should icebox watermelon be?
The icebox watermelons only weigh five to 10 pounds at the point of harvest, contrary to the usual large-size watermelon that weigh between 10 to 45 pounds on average.
Icebox Watermelon Plant.
| Scientific Name | Citrullus Lanatus |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 feet long vine (3 meters). |
| Soil Type | Fertile, well-draining, nutrients-rich |
Can you leave watermelon on the vine too long?
Like any fruit, it will last well if you leave it on the vine, but that doesn’t mean you should leave it forever. The plant will cut off water and nutrient supply to the fruit after it’s ripe, and the fruit will start to lose its flavor and sweetness, and it will eventually start to decay in the heat.
How long do icebox watermelons take to grow?
65 to 75 days
As a general rule, most Icebox Watermelon plants will mature 65 to 75 days after you plant them. As you walk through your garden and inspect each one, there are a few telltale signs that will reveal when it’s time to harvest. These include: Fully round fruit that weighs between six and 10 pounds.
How do you cut an icebox watermelon?
Quote from video: I knew that it was done how I knew that it’s ready how I know I did some research and a lot of experienced gardeners they say that when the stem. When the main this main vine stem or whatever you want
How many watermelons do you get per plant?
2-4 fruits
How Many Watermelons per Plant? 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.
How do you tell if a watermelon is ripe by knocking on it?
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.
What does a ripe watermelon look like on the outside?
If the watermelon is ripe, the field spot should be a large, yellow patch on one side of the melon. If it is ripe, the color should be a creamy, almost butter-like yellow. The bigger the yellow belly and the creamier the color means the more time the melon spent ripening on the vine.
What does an under ripe watermelon look like?
Watermelons have an underside, or belly—which is in contact with the ground throughout its growth—called a “field spot.” This spot on a ripe watermelon will be yellowish (sometimes referred to as “buttery”) and not white, which indicates an unripe melon.
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.
Are icebox watermelon seedless?
At 10-12″ in diameter and 6-8 lb., this seedless watermelon is the classic “icebox” size, like a smaller but seedless Charleston Gray. Fruit has gray-green outer skin and a firm, crisp, bright red interior. Keeps its superb taste and ripe texture an extra-long time after cutting.
What is the best tasting watermelon?
25 of the Best Watermelon Varieties
- Picnic. Allsweet. Charleston Gray. Crimson Sweet. …
- Icebox. Blacktail Mountain. Bush Sugar Baby. Sweet Beauty.
- Personal. Golden Midget. Little Darling. …
- Giant. Black Diamond Yellow Belly. Carolina Cross #183. …
- Seedless. Big Tasty. Mini Piccolo. …
- Orange, Yellow, or White Flesh. Orange Crisp. Orangeglo.
What is the biggest watermelon ever grown?
“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).