How to choose a melon?

There are many varieties of melon. Some varieties differ little from each other, others have a specific shape and special taste. The most common types are honey, silver and pineapple melons. The first variety is round or oval in shape with a smooth skin and a sweet taste. The second option is more often called Armenian cucumber. This melon variety has an oblong shape and a slightly rough skin. The third type of melon is distinguished by a peculiar flattened shape and an unusual bright color of the peel.

When choosing a melon of any kind, you must follow the general rules. Before buying a melon, it is better to determine in advance what kind of melon you plan to purchase. Each variety has its own flavor nuances. Some melons are sweeter, others have a less pronounced aroma and characteristic taste.

Melons can be:

• elongated;
• oval;
• round;
• round-flattened;
• resembling squash;
• pear-shaped.

Skin color can be from bright yellow to gray. On the surface of the melon, small scars are permissible, resembling numerous microscopic cracks or growths resembling scales. The rind can be completely smooth or even shiny.

How to choose a melon

The main purpose of buying a melon is to acquire a sweet and ripe fruit. In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to carefully compare and inspect the options available for sale. Melon aroma is one of the main criteria for its evaluation.

The color of the flesh is not always indicative of melon maturity. Each variety has its own nuances and evaluation criteria. The only common factor in melon immaturity is the presence of a green layer between the skin and flesh. However, it is not possible to see such a nuance during the purchase without cutting a melon.

What kind of melon can you buy:

• the melon should have a characteristic aroma (without the presence of damp, mold or grass odors);
• there should be no mechanical damage, cracks or stains on the melon surface;
• the melon should be elastic, but not squeezed when pressed;
• sweet or honey aroma from the melon rind – a guarantee of its sweetness and ripeness;
• when tapping on the surface of the melon, a dull sound should occur;
• the stalk of the melon should be thick and dry;
• in ripe melon, the seeds are easily separated from the pulp;
• the color of the melon peel should be as uniform as possible (any spots are signs of low-quality melon);
• there should be no green spots or veins on the melon surface.

Which melon is not worth buying:

• if the melon smells of grass, then you should not buy it (such a melon is not ripe);
• melon without aroma can only be when using a significant dose of chemicals to accelerate its growth;
• if the melon is squeezed or there are dents on its surface, then the fruit is overripe or spoiled;
• a green stalk is a sign of the immaturity of the melon;
• if cut melon seeds are poorly separated from the pulp, then the fruit is unripe;
• the use of nitrates in melon cultivation is indicated by dark brown or green veins, brown and empty seeds, and the absence of any odor from the rind;
• brown spots and depressions may indicate the beginning of the melon decay process;
• green spots or streaks on the surface of the melon indicate its immaturity.

When buying a melon, you need to pay attention to the place of sale.… If the fruits lie open on the territory near the highways, then you should refuse to purchase them. The fact is that all pumpkin vegetables absorb dust almost instantly. Eating them can cause digestive upset. When buying a melon, be sure to hold the fruit in your hands. If the weight of the melon clearly does not correspond to its size (too light or heavy), then it is better to refuse to purchase it.