Stop Guessing! How to Pick a Good Watermelon in the Fruit Sheds
The Summer Ritual of Watermelon Season
There’s something about Melbourne in summer that calls for watermelon. The sun’s out, laneways hum with music, and the Fruit & Veg Sheds at Queen Victoria Market are piled high with striped green melons chilled and ready to slice. Every shopper has their own way of choosing: a quiet tap, a quick lift, a look at the colour. Hidden in those small rituals is years of shared know-how, part science and part community wisdom. And here at the Market, few know it better than the fruit traders who’ve been sharing that knowledge for generations.
Look, Lift, Turn: A Simple Guide to Choosing
If you’ve ever stood before a mountain of melons unsure where to start, the traders suggest three easy steps: look, lift, turn. These simple moves will help anyone wondering how to pick a good watermelon that’s sweet, ripe and ready for summer.
1. Look for the Yellow Belly
Flip the melon over and find the field spot, the patch where it rested in the paddock soaking up the sun. A deep golden yellow or pale orange mark means it ripened naturally before harvest. A white or pale green patch usually means it was picked too soon.
2. Lift and Compare the Weight
Because watermelons are mostly water, the heavier ones are often the juiciest. Pick up a few of similar size and feel the difference; the heaviest is usually the keeper.
3. Turn It to Check the Rind
A matte, slightly rough rind often signals ripeness, while a shiny one can mean it’s underripe. Brown webbing or “sugar spots” show where bees have visited, a good sign of sweetness. If there’s a stem, look for one that’s dry and lightly curled.
The Sound Test: Myth or Magic?
You’ll often see people giving a watermelon a gentle tap, ear tilted close. The traders say a deep, hollow sound suggests ripeness, while a dull thud can mean it’s not quite ready. It takes a bit of practice, but that’s half the fun.
Shape, Size and Type: Your Personal Pick
Round or oval, large or small, it’s less about perfection and more about preference. Round melons tend to be sweeter and fuller in flavour, while oval ones are often lighter and crisp, great for salads or blending into cool summer drinks. Ask your trader what’s tasting best that week. They’ll know which farms are having a strong season, from Mildura and the Riverina to growers further up the east coast. You might even be offered a tasting slice, especially on a hot Market morning.
Keep It Fresh Once You’re Home
A whole watermelon is happy at room temperature for about a week. Once cut, wrap slices or seal them in a container in the fridge and they’ll stay juicy for a few days. If it’s not as sweet as you hoped, no worries, blitz it into juice, toss it with cucumber and mint for a cooling salad, or freeze chunks for a sweet, icy snack. If you love learning how to pick a good watermelon, you’ll soon find new ways to enjoy it all season long.
Nothing beats the atmosphere of a summer morning at Queen Victoria Market. Beyond just finding the perfect watermelon, a visit to the Market is about the buzzing energy. Our traders are ready to help you find the freshest pick of the season. Grab your bags and come experience the best of Melbourne’s summer harvest.
