Watermelon pulp is a low-calorie food known for its ability to quench thirst. In addition, it is rich in such important trace elements and vitamins as potassium, magnesium, folic acid. The presence of watermelon pulp in the diet has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and improves intestinal motility. Only ripe watermelon can be tasty and healthy, so be careful when choosing it.
Above all, buy watermelons at the right time. They hit the shelves in early August, but don't be tempted to try them as soon as possible. Typically, these watermelons are unripe or loaded with nitrates. The best time to buy a watermelon is the end of August and September. It is during this period that the chances of acquiring a sweet and ripe fruit are highest.
The place where you buy the watermelon is also important. In no case should you buy it from the road blocks, because the watermelon has a porous skin through which bacteria and heavy metals can penetrate. It is best to buy them in shops or vendors in the markets that have a certificate for sale. Pay attention to how watermelons are stored: they should not lie in a heap on the ground, but be located on a special counter with a height of at least 20 cm.
The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a watermelon is its weight. Both too small and too large fruits should be avoided. As a rule, watermelons weighing 5-7 kg are most tasty, while the rule applies: the larger and at the same time lighter the fruit, the sweeter it is.
The ripeness of a watermelon can be determined by the condition of its peel. In a mature fetus, it is dense and shiny. When buying a watermelon, try to pierce its rind with your fingernail: if you succeed, then the fruit is unripe. The color of the peel of a ripe watermelon is clearly pronounced: light and dark stripes contrast sharply with each other.
When buying, do not forget to check the integrity of the rind: if the watermelon has cracks or bruises, the risk of bacteria penetration increases. For the same reason, you should not buy cut fruits or ask the seller to check the ripeness by cutting a pyramid at the base of the watermelon.
Pay attention to the stalk of the watermelon: in a ripe fruit, it will be yellow and slightly dry. In addition, a ripe watermelon has a light spot on the side, which appears due to the contact of the fruit with the ground during the ripening period. It should be bright yellow or orange.
Perhaps one of the most common ways to test the ripeness of a watermelon is to pat it. At the same time, a clear, clear sound will be heard. If you squeeze a ripe watermelon with your ear to it, you can hear a slight crackle or creak.
The fruits of watermelon are divided into "male" and "female", while the latter are distinguished by sweeter pulp and fewer seeds. To distinguish the "girl" from the "boy", examine the bottom of the watermelon: in the "male" it is convex and has a small circle, in the "female" it is flat with a wide circle.
Having chosen a delicious watermelon, do not forget to follow the rules for storing and eating it. Before cutting the fruit, be sure to wash it thoroughly with soap and wipe it dry. Keep the cut watermelon in the refrigerator. The maximum storage period is 3 days.
