When picking out a ripe watermelon, start by looking at the underside for a creamy yellow spot, known as the field spot.

This is where the melon sat on the ground and ripened under the sun. A rich golden-yellow or orange field spot typically indicates that the watermelon had enough time to fully ripen and develop a sweet flavor. If the spot is faint or not visible, it likely means the fruit was harvested too soon and may not be very sweet.

Next, take a close look at the rind for brown, rough, web-like lines.

These aren’t flaws—they’re known as “bee stings,” caused by bee activity during pollination. Bees play an essential role in enhancing the sweetness of the fruit, and the presence of these markings suggests the watermelon was well-pollinated. The more webbing, the sweeter the melon is likely to be—it’s nature’s way of signaling good quality.

Another helpful trick is to consider the shape of the watermelon, often referred to in terms of “gender.”

Longer, oval-shaped melons are considered “male” and tend to contain more water, making them less sweet. Rounder, more compact melons, or “female” ones, are generally sweeter. So, if you’re looking for a sugary bite, choose a round melon over an elongated one.

Finally, don’t be fooled by size alone.

Bigger watermelons aren’t always tastier—some can be overly watery and lack flavor. Instead, choose one that feels heavy for its size and has a medium or average shape. These usually offer the best balance of juiciness and sweetness—ideal for hot summer days and sharing with loved ones.