Choosing the wrong watermelon can ruin the whole experience. You carry it home, slice it open, and your excitement quickly disappears when you find pale, watery flesh with little flavor. Fortunately, there are simple clues hiding in plain sight that can help you choose a sweeter, juicier melon.

Start by checking the field spot, the discolored patch where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. Look for a creamy yellow or golden-yellow color. A well-developed field spot often suggests the melon spent enough time maturing on the vine. A white or very pale spot may indicate it was picked earlier.

Next, examine the rind carefully. A good watermelon should feel firm and solid when you gently press it. Avoid melons with deep bruises, cracks, cuts, or noticeably soft areas. These imperfections can signal damage, poor handling, or an overripe interior that may not taste fresh.

Now comes one of the easiest tricks: lift the watermelon. Compare it with other melons that are about the same size. The heavier one is often the better choice because extra weight can indicate a higher water content, which usually means a juicy and refreshing interior.

If the watermelon still has part of its stem attached, take a quick look at it. A dry, brownish stem can be a useful sign that the fruit was mature when harvested. A green stem, however, may suggest that it was picked before reaching full maturity.

You may also notice that some watermelons have a slightly dull, rather than shiny, appearance. While this isn’t a guaranteed test, a mature melon can develop a less glossy rind. Use this clue alongside the field spot, weight, firmness, and stem instead of relying on it alone.

Remember, no single trick guarantees a perfect watermelon every time. However, combining several signs can dramatically improve your chances of taking home a sweet, ripe, and juicy fruit.

Once you’ve made your choice, chill the watermelon thoroughly before cutting it. Then slice it open, take that first crisp bite, and enjoy the reward of spending a few extra seconds choosing wisely at the market.