What can I say about this quintessential summer fruit? Watermelon is a favorite at picnics and family gatherings. It is tasty fruit that is also healthy for you. But make sure that you choose the watermelon that is perfect for you.

Watermelon comes in many varieties. There are icebox watermelons and mini watermelons and seedless watermelons and yellow watermelons. They grow in a long oval shape most of the time but can be round like a cantaloupe. The outer rind can be of a deep green color or striped light and dark green.

How do you choose a watermelon? I’ve never been quite sure how to tell a good watermelon from a bad one. That whole thumping thing never quite worked for me. I didn’t know what I was doing. They say that if you thump a watermelon and hear a hollow sound then it is a good watermelon. By good, I mean sweeter than sweet. I don’t know what those other guys mean.

Anyway, the experts say that you can tell if the watermelon is ripe if the underside is yellow. That will let you know how long it sat on the ground. A rind that is shiny and smooth is a good indicator of a healthy ripe watermelon. Also, avoid melons that have soft spots, bruises, splits, or any kind of fluid leaking out.

Now for the tasty part; Watermelons can stay at room temperature for a week with no problem. When you cut it, put it in the refrigerator and cover with plastic wrap.