Well defined stripes - with distinct color variations between the green lines and the yellow lines.
A large yellow spot on the bottom - This shows the watermelon has been sitting in the field ripening on the vine for a while, not picked too early.
Round over oblong – Round melons tend to be sweeter than oblong. Of course, most watermelon land somewhere in the middle, if you have the option of picking a round melon, do it.
Heavy is best – try to pick a watermelon that seems heavy for it’s size. This means it is loaded with juice. Pick up a few options to compare.
Deep sounding tone – thump the watermelon. The sound should be deep, again demonstrating it is FULL, not dried out and airy on the inside.
Check the stem - If there is a stem attached it should be dried up, not green. A green stem would signal that the watermelon is still in the process of ripening, but not there yet.
Scars and spots are good – Don’t judge a book by its cover. Weathering on the outside of the melon is another indicator that the melon has had plenty of time to sweeten.
Video
Notes
HOW TO CUT A WATERMELON:
Cut the short (stem) ends off the melon. Then cut the watermelon into quarters, from stem end to end.
For slices, start at the top point of the fruit, and cut straight down to the rind, in ½ to 1-inch sections.
Then cut along the edge of the rind, deep into the watermelon on each side, to release the slices from the rind.
To cut cubes, cut deep into each flat side of the watermelon, 1 inch apart. Do this on both sides.
Then start at the top point and cut down in 1-inch segments.
Finally cut along the edge of the rind on both sides to release the cubes for the rind.