its best, although the tap test is subjective and should not be relied upon by itself.
7. Avoid Signs of Damage
Even a ripe watermelon may not stay fresh if it has been damaged.
Skip watermelons with:
- Deep cuts
- Soft spots
- Large bruises
- Cracks
- Mold
Minor surface scratches are generally harmless and do not necessarily affect the fruit inside.
Once you know how to recognize a promising watermelon at the market, the next step is keeping all that freshness and flavor intact once you bring it home.