August is the time of the long-awaited watermelons. And the most pressing question of the season is how to choose a ripe and tasty watermelon? The seller can assure you already in June that he has a super early berry variety. The purchase will indeed turn out to be with juicy and bright red pulp, but nitrates and other chemicals clearly helped to ripen such a watermelon. Therefore, until the end of the season, it is still better not to succumb to temptation. Natural melon berries will be available for sale only in August.

Perhaps, choosing a sweet fruit is a whole science. How to determine the ripeness of a watermelon and choose a berry without nitrates? Let's study it together.

How to determine the ripeness of a watermelon

In appearance

The watermelon is good if its stripes are bright and the peel is shiny. Pay attention to external damage to the fetus. If it is cracked or dented, then bacteria could already penetrate the pulp. This watermelon is hazardous to health. Clothing should be firm enough to be difficult to scratch with a fingernail. And one more thing: prefer a round watermelon to an oblong one.

By the size and color of the earthen spot

Look for a watermelon that has a yellow spot on the side, where the berry touched the ground. The color should be reddish, yellow or light brown. But a white earthen spot suggests that the watermelon is not ripe. The spot size should ideally be between 5 and 10 cm.

On a dry stalk

The tail of a watermelon is like the umbilical cord of a newborn: through it, the fetus received nutrients. In fact, when the watermelon ripens, it itself must fall off the fruit and dry out. Therefore, a green stalk near a store watermelon should alert you - the fruit is clearly not ripe. The tail of a ripe berry will be brittle, check without leaving the checkout!

By weight

Many people think that large watermelons are the tastiest. And they are right. A large mass of watermelon indicates its ripeness. In some varieties, a weight of 10-17 kg is considered the norm. But there is a reasonable limit to everything: an abnormally huge watermelon is most likely grown using artificial feeding. Look for a middle ground.

By sound

Many people know the old-fashioned way - to lightly knock on a watermelon. This is the main sign of a ripe watermelon. If, when tapped, the sound is resonant, and the crust of the watermelon springs a little from the impact, feel free to buy! But a dull sound, on the contrary, should alert you - the watermelon is most likely unripe.

How to choose a good quality watermelon

Low in calories and high in nutrients... This is about the watermelon that was grown correctly. In the age of modern technologies, we fearfully buy melons and gourds - this is due to the chemicals used to create artificially ripe watermelons, and also get rid of pests on melons. How to calculate excess nitrates? Look at the rind. Black and brown spots all over the surface betray the presence of nitrogen salts. Did the fruit look cute? Check it out at home after cutting. If the color of the pulp is unevenly red and with purple spots, then there is an excess of nitrates in the watermelon. This is also indicated by the multi-colored seeds (black and white in one berry) as well as yellow veins from the crust to the pulp.

There is one more secret: the flesh on the cut of the "correct" watermelon will be with grains, like sugar, but the watermelon containing nitrates has unnaturally glossy insides.

To make sure that the sweet purchase is safe to the end, have an unpretentious experience at home: dip a piece of watermelon pulp in a glass of water and crush the pulp. Muddy water speaks of the naturalness of the berry, the water turns red - an indicator of the presence of nitrates. This is the best way to test watermelons.

1. The most natural watermelons appear on sale only in mid-August.
2. Better to buy watermelons at the store. If you go to the market, then bypass the side of the seller, whose watermelons lie right on the ground.
3. Don't buy watermelons on the track. Car exhaust fumes are not good for product safety.
4. Refuse to buy a cut watermelon, even if the half is neatly tightened cling film... Bacteria are actively developing under it. And whether the person who cut him observed hygiene is generally unknown.
5. Click on the fruit above and below: if you hear a crackling, then the watermelon is delicious and ripe.

We wish you delicious watermelons and a pleasant summer!

Many do not know, but according to experts, watermelons are divided, relatively speaking, by gender.

There are "boys" and "girls". Which of them who can be found out when you cut the watermelon.

Those that are sweeter and contain fewer seeds are "girls".

Others are also professionals in their field, they say that all this is fiction, in fact, watermelons are hermaphrodites.

We are simple gardeners, these disputes are of little interest, the most important thing for us is to find out ripe watermelon or not.

Gardeners - amateurs who grow these large berries in their dachas have long known how to determine ripeness. These symptoms are described below.

A watermelon is ripe if:

• A good ripe watermelon, usually of the correct shape, that is, it has a slightly elongated ball shape.

• The fruit should not be small, an average of about 8-12 kg is better. Small ones are usually not very sweet. If you choose a watermelon on the market, large specimens, more than 12 kg., Do not take, they may contain a large amount of harmful nitrates.

• Also, the maturity of a watermelon is indicated by its tail. For ripe and sweet, it is dry. On the shelves, these appear after mid-August. If the tail is greenish and not withered, then it was removed unripe.

• The crust must not be damaged (dents, cracks, spots). Such a watermelon, even if ripe, loses its taste qualities... Sour can be caught.

• Well, the last sign is the well-known knock on a watermelon. The sound of a ripe watermelon, ringing, as if crunchy. A dull sound indicates that the fruit is lethargic and stale. In addition, the storage conditions were violated.

By the way, watermelons can be stored for a long time. For this, watermelons are selected without external damage, and if possible without a macular spot on the side, or so that it is as small as possible. By weight about 7kg.

We place it in a grid and hang it in a dark place with a temperature not higher than + 5C. The watermelon should not be in contact with the wall or anything else.

With proper storage, it will be possible to feast on watermelon for the new year.

If anyone else is interested in the sex of a watermelon, then it is determined by the bottom. In the “girl's” watermelon, it is flatter and with a larger speck, while in the “boys” there is a depression inward, and passes into a small dot.

After choosing a ripe watermelon, it is just right to prepare a cocktail for the guests called “ drunk watermelon».

Cut out a round hole in the watermelon, about the size of a bottleneck, and about 7cm deep. After that, turn the bottle of vodka over and insert it with its neck into this hole.

Make sure the depth is sufficient so that the contents do not spill out. We wait until everything is absorbed.

Seal the hole and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

At the end of the time, the watermelon cocktail is ready for use, it remains to be cut into slices. The watermelon must be ripe.

(from Brazil or Spain), and to local, including Central Asian watermelons.

Although watermelon is very healthy and relatively inexpensive, there are a few things worth knowing about it.

For example, you may come across an unripe watermelon, or it can be stuffed with nitrates, which do not bring anything useful and even more - deprive the watermelon of their advantages.

It will be interesting to note the fact that watermelon is not a berry, but a representative of the pumpkin family.

In order not to be mistaken when choosing a watermelon, it is worth knowing a few useful things, which will be discussed below.

How to choose a ripe watermelon

It's easy to determine by eye ripe watermelon or not, it is almost impossible.

Previously, it was allowed to make a small cut to show how red the watermelon is, but now this is prohibited, because the peel and knife of the seller in the market is hardly clean, let alone simple hygiene.

It means you need to use other methods.

1. Tapping

This method may help, but not always. Yes, it happens that a ripe watermelon, when tapped, makes a ringing sound. But sometimes a not quite ripe watermelon can make the same sound, so it is not advisable to rely on this method completely.

2. Looking at the ponytail

This method also cannot be called the best, although it is often used. It is believed that a ripe watermelon has a dry tail, which is true.

But if we consider that the watermelon did not ripen in natural conditions (not on melons), then its tail is also dry, and the watermelon is not ripe at the same time.

3. Squeezing the watermelon with your hands

This traditional method of identifying melted is arguably the most reliable.

You need to squeeze the watermelon with your hands - if it emits a crackle, then it is ripe.

4. Spot on the side

Also pay attention to the side of the watermelon - there should be a spot that appears when the watermelon has been on the ground for a long time. It is desirable that this spot is yellow.

It is worth noting that this spot is called the "point of the field" and the watermelon rested against the ground with it, ripening under the rays of the sun. The darker the spot, the better.

A white spot or no spot means that the fruit was picked early and did not have time to ripen.

5. Scratch the crust

If you scratch the rind of the watermelon a little, then you can determine its ripeness - in a ripe watermelon, the thin peel will be removed quite easily.

How to choose the right watermelon

* choose a watermelon with a more or less symmetrical shape. Do not use small watermelons, as they are usually not very sweet. However, too large watermelons may contain nitrates.

* watermelons that have a very contrasting color pattern on their skins are most likely very ripe. This means that you should look for a dark watermelon with light stripes.

* DO NOT use watermelon with cracks, spots or dents. Stains on the watermelon mean that it was not carefully stored and transported, and it could lose its taste and turn out to be sour. Also, these indicators may mean that the fruit was not watered correctly.

* DO NOT let the seller cut the dough piece. As already mentioned, the knife can be dirty, and dust can get into the watermelon on the way home.

* Choose the heavier watermelon - this fruit is full of juices. Take two identical watermelons, the heavier and the most ripe. This advice applies to a variety of fruits and vegetables.

The benefits of watermelon

Despite the fact that the watermelon looks like a large berry with big amount seeds, in fact, "common watermelon" belongs to the representatives of the Pumpkin family, and its fruit is called pumpkin, and as you might guess, its closest relative is pumpkin.

* Since traditional watermelon contains small amount of sugar, it can be eaten by those who suffer from diabetes, but of course within reasonable limits.

* It's also worth noting that watermelon juice boasts very high alkalinity... Basically, vegetables, fruits and berries have an acidic, neutral or slightly alkaline reaction, but watermelon is ahead of everyone in this sense.

You've probably heard about such a criterion as the indicator of the acidity of the environment - it is denoted as pH... It is worth noting that a change of only 1 pH unit means that the acidity level has changed 10 times.

Since watermelon has a high alkalinity, it is a very good diuretic, which means that it is incredibly useful for those who suffer from liver and kidney diseases, as well as people with arthritis, atherosclerosis and hypertension.

And don't forget that ripe watermelon - very sweet... But this is only when it is not in it a large number pesticides and fertilizers that are used to ripen faster.

At all times, Uzbekistan has been the leader in the production of the tastiest and sweetest watermelons. The Astrakhan and Volgograd regions are also famous for this berry. They are tirelessly followed by China, from where the supply of melons and gourds to many countries is carried out. 35% of the total watermelon production in the European part of Russia comes from Kazakhstan. It is followed by Georgia. Warm sunny days and cool nights ideal conditions for ripening juicy and sweet watermelons. The ripeness of a watermelon is determined by three criteria:

• Colour,
• sound when tapping the peel.

The smell does not matter. There is a misconception that after picking a watermelon, it stops ripening. However, it often happens that a watermelon that has been in the refrigerator for a long time becomes overripe. Watermelon gains sweetness only on melons. The side on which the watermelon lay on the melon should have a light yellow spot. A pale green spot on the watermelon indicates maturity. If you remember a couple of tips for choosing a ripe watermelon from the ten presented, you can easily choose ripe juicy watermelon and not be disappointed in the choice.

What is a watermelon? Vegetable or fruit? There is no definite answer. The thing is that watermelons, like other vegetables: zucchini, pumpkins and cucumbers, are grown and harvested in the field. But, sweet taste and the aroma is more fruit-like.

In fact, a watermelon is at the same time:

• Vegetable - from the point of view of agronomy,
• Fruit - from a culinary point of view,
• Berry - from the point of view of botany, as the fruit of a watermelon: pumpkin - refers to berries.

For many, watermelon is a favorite summer sweet, as it contains 90% water. For those who do not like the large size of the watermelon, smaller varieties with an equally sweet taste have been bred.

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. It contains many digestive fiber and potassium, which regulates blood pressure levels. Watermelons contain more lycopene than fresh tomatoes... So, we present to your attention 1 0 tips for choosing a good, ripe watermelon.

10. See a professional

If you are unable to make the right choice, seek professional help. Most sellers will be able to easily identify a ripe watermelon. In order not to be disappointed with the purchase, you can overpay and taste the watermelon right at the fruit stand. Pay attention to the pulp - it should be rich red and firm.

9. Tap the watermelon

When choosing a watermelon, most people tap and listen to the sound. If the watermelon is ripe, you will hear a resounding crunch. But, unfortunately, it is very difficult to determine the ripeness of a watermelon in this way. Take the watermelon with both hands and squeeze gently. If you hear a light ringing crunch, then the watermelon is ripe.

8. Choose heavier watermelons

The greater the weight of the watermelon, the more ripe and juicy it is. When choosing a watermelon, opt for heavier fruits without bumps and bumps. But keep in mind that overripe watermelons can be heavy too.

7. Look for the yellow barrel

The barrel of the watermelon on which it lay on the melon should be light yellow. With this side, he lay on the ground, while the darker side was ripening in the sun. If the barrel is pale or completely absent, this means that the watermelon was picked too early and it did not have time to ripen.

6. Pay attention to the "bee's web"

Look for the so-called " cobweb". It is a pattern of brown intertwined threads. The bee, pollinating the flowers of the watermelon, touches the unripe membranes of the fruit and creates a similar pattern. The more often pollination occurs, the more " cobweb", And the sweeter the watermelon.

5. Pick a watermelon by floor

Remember, girl watermelons are generally larger, sweeter, and have fewer seeds than boy watermelons. To determine the gender of a watermelon, look at the bottom of the fruit. If the ring is very small, then this is a boy, a larger one is a girl. It is often difficult to determine the ripeness of a watermelon on this basis, so choose based on the presence of seeds. Remember, seed watermelons are often sweeter and cheaper.

4. Check the color of the watermelon

Be sure to pay attention to the color of the watermelon. An unripe fruit has a glossy rind. Ripe watermelons have a bright rind, but no sheen... True, it is often difficult to determine the ripeness of the fruit by the crust.

3. Choose trusted sellers

To buy watermelon, go to grocery stores where you usually buy fresh fruits and vegetables. The more choice in the store, the more likely you are to find a ripe watermelon. It is best to buy watermelons from fruit stalls along the road where farmers sell them.

2. Avoid watermelons grown in a spray system

Such fruits are usually less sweet and juicy. The thing is that with this method of irrigation, part of the water evaporates and is carried by the wind. Much sweeter are watermelons irrigated by flooding when special small trenches are dug through which water flows to watermelons. Modern farmers use striped drip irrigation.

1. Check the curl of the watermelon

If the watermelon is still on the melon, then its ripeness can be determined by the antennae that connects the watermelon to the bush. If the tendril is green, then the watermelon is not yet ripe. If the tendril is brown and dry, the watermelon is ripe. Watermelons, like cucumbers, constantly bear fruit. After harvesting, new fruits begin to grow. So, a ripe watermelon has a dry tail and a dull color.

A green tail indicates an unripe fruit. Watermelon can be a great nutritious snack, and watermelon juice will brighten any celebration. Rich in vitamins and refreshing, ripe watermelons are loved by people of all ages. When choosing a ripe watermelon, it's best to stick to not one, but at least three tips.

Now, people are ready to stuff food with chemistry, just to give them a marketable appearance, and immediately put them up for sale. But who wants to go to the hospital after eating their favorite fruit or vegetable? For this, it is worth reading the articles to distinguish a good watermelon from a watermelon stuffed with chemical additives.

The more colorful and contrasting the watermelon, the better and juicier it will be.

An important indicator of the condition of a watermelon is the color of the veins inside the flesh of the watermelon. If their color is white, then the watermelon can be sent to your stomach with confidence. If streaks of yellow or purple color are seen, then this is a bad sign - such a watermelon is either not fully ripe, or the result of a pest invasion, but in most cases this is the effect of nitrates.

I immediately remember the hippopotamus from "Well, wait a minute."

But oddly enough, this method almost always works, if you have the strength, of course, to squeeze the watermelon.

Gloss check

Also pay attention to the seeds - they must be ripe!

Fresh, snowy, soft crunchy

I will cut, I will cry in scarlet sweetness.
This is a miracle, moreover, a real one -
Our Baskunchak, Liman watermelon!

What a twist

It is usually said that there is little nitrate in the middle, and a lot closer to the peel. As it turned out, this is not always the case.

Water test

And you can also check this: throw a piece of watermelon pulp into the water, if it drowns - the watermelon is saturated with nitrates, and if it remains to swim - good!

By the way, read about how to choose the right melon and what to make from it, read here!

Torn from melon

When the watermelon ripens, it separates from the melon by means of the fact that its tail dries up on its own. If you do not see the ponytail or it is somehow tucked away, most likely the seller is hiding something from you.

The ripeness of a watermelon and the naturalness of its origin can be determined by the earthen spot.

On one of the barrels of the watermelon, there must be a brownish-yellow or orange-yellow spot - this is the side of the watermelon lying on the ground. But keep in mind that the stain must not be white!

Oh, this sound

The sound of a watermelon depends on whether the pulp has softened inside or not. It is the green fruit that will ring, and the ripe watermelon will make a dull sound.

Checking how the bees worked on the watermelon

These nets appear because bees touch the ovary during pollination, respectively, the more often pollination occurs, the sweeter the fruit will be.

Touch the peel for firmness

When the watermelon ripens and separates from the melon, it is no longer able to absorb water, so its rind hardens. If you can easily pierce the skin with your fingernail, this is an unripe fruit.

Girl or boy?

Watermelon is a bisexual berry: the "male" individual is more elongated, has a convex bottom and a small circle, while the "female" berries have a wide circle. "Girls" are considered tastier: they have fewer seeds and more sugar.

If you do get caught on a nitrate watermelon, then you will be concerned about the following symptoms

2-6 hours after eating watermelon:

• nausea, less often vomiting;
• diarrhea (up to 10-15 times a day);
• abdominal pain, cramps;
• weakness;
• dizziness, headaches;
• temperature increase.

What to do in case of watermelon poisoning:

1. Rinse the stomach with plenty of warm, salted water or a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate.
2. Take enterosorbents - drugs that neutralize poisons in the intestinal lumen. Most popular: Activated carbon, Polysorb MP, Enterosgel, Smecta.
3. Drink as much fluids as possible to enhance the elimination of poisons from the body, as well as prevent dehydration.
4. Drink sweet lemon tea after nausea stops.
5. Do not take antidiarrheal drugs and painkillers, they mask the true state of the body.