Júlia Farré, nutritionist: If you go to buy a melon and it has a yellow spot on its rind, look at it. The bigger it is, the better, it means it has been ripening longer

Júlia Farré, a nutritionist based in Spain, has shared practical advice on how to select a ripe and flavorful melon. In a recent video posted on her TikTok account, she explained that one should look for a yellow spot on the melon’s rind. The larger this spot, the better, as it indicates the fruit spent more time ripening under the sun. This guidance was published on August 17, 2026, and updated at 11:46 AM local time. During the summer months, refreshing foods become essential for staying hydrated and coping with high temperatures. Fruits such as watermelon and cantaloupe are particularly beneficial due to their high water content and ability to provide cooling relief. Watermelon, in particular, is a staple in Spanish households, often enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast item, or snack. According to the Spanish Foundation for Nutrition (FEN), watermelon contains up to 92% water and has a lower sugar content compared to other fruits, making it a low-energy food option. One slice can supply approximately 75% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C, along with being rich in potassium. However, selecting a quality watermelon can be challenging. Many consumers struggle to identify ripe and sweet pieces, sometimes ending up with overly green or overripe fruits that lack flavor. To address this issue, Júlia Farré has offered five tips for choosing the best watermelon, which include checking its weight, texture, sound, and specific markings on the skin. The first tip involves assessing the melon's weight. For a given size, a heavier melon tends to be juicier and richer in flavor, indicating it has been fully matured. The second tip advises touching the melon without squeezing it, as a firm texture suggests freshness while a soft feel indicates overripeness. The third tip recommends tapping the melon lightly; a hollow sound usually means it is ripe and ready to eat. The fourth tip focuses on identifying the yellow spot on the rind. As mentioned earlier, a larger yellow area signifies longer exposure to sunlight during the ripening process, contributing to enhanced sweetness and flavor. The fifth and final tip introduces the concept of male and female watermelons. While many people are unaware of this distinction, Júlia explains that female watermelons typically have a sweeter taste than males. Female watermelons can be distinguished by the presence of circular patterns near the stem end, whereas male watermelons feature linear ridges. This characteristic helps in selecting a more flavorful and sweeter fruit. By following these guidelines, consumers can improve their chances of purchasing a delicious and nutritious watermelon.