I’ve written in the past about how to choose the best watermelon using the three-step “Look, Lift, and Turn” test. In that blog entry, I also mentioned that tapping or thumping a watermelon to determine ripeness isn’t the most reliable tactic.
But that hasn’t stopped millions of people from drumming on watermelons in the grocery store. There’s even a smartphone app that will analyze the sound of a watermelon thump and let you know if the fruit is ripe or not (look for a test and review of the app here on the blog later this month).
Even though the sound test isn’t a scientifically proven ripeness detector, many people (myself occasionally included) still give their watermelon a good knock before placing it in the cart. Which brings me to this month’s poll: Do you thump your watermelon? Let me know by answering the survey on the right and offer your opinion of this method with a comment below.
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Dr. Penny Perkins-Veazie
Chef Harry Schwartz
Elizabeth Somer, M.A.
Josh Bailey
J-Slice
Of course I thump my watermelons. I also make sure there is no deep puncture wounds. Minor surface blemishes are normal and won’t detract from the great tasting watermelon that I have been enjoying of late.
Yes, Sir! My grandpa taught me that and I don’t care what anyone says…it hasn’t failed me yet!!!
I must admit that I do sometimes thump my watermelon in the grocery store.
It sounds like a lot of people still thump their watermelon! That’s good to know. Whether or not you agree with the usefulness of the method, it’s nice that the tradition has been passed down from one generation to the next.
And that’s a good tip, Mark. Even more important than the “thump/listen” test is the visual inspection. A great looking watermelon almost always means a great tasting watermelon!
I often thump my watermelon but rely on my visual test, what exactly are we listening for that’s what I was never taught LOL
My grandmother grew watermelons in Hempstead, TX. That woman never missed the watermelon thump festival in Luling, Tx. Here is a guaranteed way to test a watermelon for sweetness. First hold a few watermelons of the same approximate size. Then take the heaviest one and hit it with the palm of your hand.
If you hear a song similar to “dong”. Then you have a sweet watermelon.
All of my friends will tell you that this method works very well.
I don’t thump, I put one hand on one side of the melon and slap the other side. If I feel a vibration (like a musical instrument) then I know it is ripe. It no vibration it is too ripe or too green. For me this works every time.