15 Health Benefits Of Watermelon: History and How to Pick a Watermelon That’s Perfectly Ripe, benefits on skin and digestion
How to Pick a Watermelon That’s Perfectly Ripe, Crisp and Sweet Every Time
Despite their bulk and heft, here’s no question about it: Buying a watermelon is totally worthwhile—that is, if you pick the right one. After all, choosing the wrong one could result in an unnecessary schlep, or worse, a slice that’s pale, bland and more akin to a cucumber than everyone’s favorite summer treat.
So how do you pick a watermelon that’s perfectly ripe, crisp and sweet? Turns out there’s a (nearly) foolproof method, according to a spokesperson at Watermelon.org, an Orlando, Florida-based non-profit that represents watermelon benefits on skin U.S.-based watermelon growers, shippers and importers.
Myths About Picking a Watermelon
It’s safe to say the bulk of consumers don’t quite know how to select a watermelon that checks all the boxes: vibrant, sweet and crisp. It could be because myths abound regarding the correct way to assess the fruit. Exhibit A: The knock test, otherwise known as the thump method. Exactly as it sounds, it’s an approach that involves knocking, knuckles to the rind, on a prospective watermelon. The goal is to hear a hollow, deeper “pong” as opposed to a “ping”—an almost impossible distinction.
Another myth is the straw test, which calls for placing a piece of straw on top of the melon to see if it spins. Allegedly, an electrical force present in ripe watermelons is responsible for this response, but testing has suggested otherwise—and straw tests are sparse where the average shoppers purchase watermelons.
Perhaps the biggest myth of all is to trust a watermelon’s rind; neither stripes nor distance between stripes nor color nor shape will predict a watermelon’s ripeness with any degree of accuracy, in part because over 1,200 varieties of watermelon make variations difficult to interpret.
The Right Way to Pick a Watermelon: Look, Lift, and Turn
To make the best possible choice, the first eyeball the melon to make sure it’s free of dents, bumps, punctures, and gashes. (PSA: Minor scratches are no big deal.) Next, pick up the watermelon. Comprised of 92% water, it should be just as heavy as it looks—the heavier its size, the better.
Last step: Turn the melon over until you find what’s called the “ground spot” or where it laid when it was ripening in the sun. At first glance, you might read this as discoloration—or worse yet, a flaw. However, every watermelon has a ground spot. The key is to find one that’s buttery yellow, not too light, white, or bright. A ground spot that’s excessively pale is a sign to drop that watermelon ASAP. After all, the color serves as a clue to what your watermelon will look like inside. A pasty exterior means the watermelon’s flesh will lack the sweet redness we all look for in the perfect slice. On the other hand, a sunflower yellow ground spot is its own red flag. This means it’s overripe, a sign the flesh will have a mushy, grainy texture.
The Health Benefits of Watermelon
Loaded With Lycopene
The cheery red color comes from lycopene, an antioxidant. Studies show it may help curb your risk of cancer and diabetes as part of a healthy lifestyle. Watermelon has more of this nutrient than any other fruit or veggie — even tomatoes. To load up on lycopene, choose a melon with bright red flesh rather than yellow or orange. And the riper, the better. Also, seedless melon tends to have more lycopene than those with seeds.
Sun Benefit?
Some pigments help protect plants from the sun. Oddly enough, just eating them may shield your skin, too — at least a little. The lycopene in watermelon may make it less likely that you get sunburned. But that’s not for sure, so keep using your broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher every day.
Healthier Heart
Watermelon is rich in an amino acid called citrulline that may help move blood through your body and can lower your blood pressure. Your heart also enjoys the perks of all the lycopene watermelon contains. Studies show that it may lower your risk of heart attacks. Of course, your whole lifestyle affects your heart health. So make sure you also work out, don’t smoke, limit saturated fat, and keep up with your doctor’s advice.
Protects Your Joints
Watermelon has a natural pigment called beta-cryptoxanthin that may protect your joints from inflammation. Some studies show that over time, it could make you less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis
Easy on Your Eyes
Just one medium slice of watermelon gives you contains 9-11% of the vitamin A you need each day. This nutrient is one of the keys to keeping your eyes healthy. Foods are the best ways to get all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
Naturally Sweet Hydration
Juicy watermelon is 92% water, so it’s a simple way to help stay hydrated. Every cell in your body needs water. Even a small shortage can make you feel sluggish. If you get really dehydrated, it can become serious enough that you need to get fluids by IV.
Soothes Your Skin
Vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon help your skin stay soft, smooth, and supple. Because it’s loaded with water, watermelon benefits on skin melon also makes a great face mask. Mix 1 tablespoon of watermelon juice with the same amount of Greek yogurt. watermelon benefits on skin Spread over your face and leave on for 10 minutes to slough off any dry, dull skin. Rinse and pat dry.
Satisfies Your Sweet Tooth
A cup of ice cream will set you back around 300 calories. You can enjoy the same amount of watermelon for just 45.6 calories. And unlike many other desserts, it’s fat-free, cholesterol free, and has no sodium. watermelon benefits on skin Plus, the water in it will help you stay fuller longer. To make an easy sorbet, puree some watermelon in your blender, add a squeeze of lime, and pop in the freezer until it hardens.
Boosts Your Workout
Watermelon’s high water content, antioxidants, and amino acids may make for a better workout. It’s also high in potassium, a mineral that could cut down on cramps at the gym. You can sip watermelon juice after you sweat, too. Doing so could help prevent muscle soreness, as long as you don’t push yourself too hard.
Won’t Spike Your Blood Sugar
Trying to keep your blood glucose levels steady? You’re in luck. Watermelon has a glycemic index (GI) value of 80, about the same as a bowl of cornflakes. But it’s got few carbs. That means its glycemic load (how quickly it enters your bloodstream and how much glucose it can produce) is a mere 5. Enjoy a slice without guilt!
Easy to Digest
If you have a digestive condition like Crohn’s or colitis, the list of what not to eat during a flare can be long. You can put watermelon on your “yes” list. Its soft, fleshy fruit is easy for even an inflamed gut to digest. (Just don’t eat the rind or the seeds if you need to limit fiber.)
What If I Eat a Seed by Accident?
You may have been told as a kid that if you swallow watermelon seeds, they’ll grow in your belly. Not true! After all, your stomach has no sunlight or soil, and a lot of gastric acid. Many melons are seedless these days, but don’t worry if you do swallow a seed. They’re actually full of nutrients!
Choose a Good One
Pick a melon that’s free of dents, nicks, and bruises. Look for a yellow, not white, spot on the bottom. This signals that it’s ripe. A juicy, ready-to-eat watermelon will feel heavy for its size. When you thump it, it should sound hollow.
Safely Cut and Store Your Melon
Wash the outside of your melon before you slice into it. You don’t want your knife to transfer any germs to the inside. While melon tastes best right after it’s cut, you can store it in your fridge for up to 5 days. Freezing is an option, too. While the watermelon won’t stay crisp, you can thaw it to use in smoothies.
Don’t Stop With a Slice
A slice of fresh watermelon tastes great, but you can do more with it. Top a salad with cubed melon and crumbled feta cheese. Make a watermelon pizza by topping wedges with yogurt, mint, slivered almonds, and berries. And save the seeds! Tossed with olive oil and sea salt, they can be roasted for a tasty (and healthy) snack.
