Which melon would you choose? There’s only one real…

The melon you should choose is number 4.

Here is why:

• The Field Spot: The most reliable indicator of a ripe watermelon is the “field spot”—the large, yellowish patch on the bottom where the melon rested on the ground while growing. A creamy yellow or orange-yellow color means the melon ripened on the vine and is sweet. A white or pale spot (like on numbers 2 and 3) usually means it was picked too early.
• The Webbing: The brown, web-like scarring on melon number 4 is a sign of a very sweet melon. This webbing forms when the melon grows rapidly and the skin stretches, and it often indicates a higher sugar content.
• The Shape: Number 4 is also symmetrical and well-rounded, which is another good sign of a healthy, ripe melon.

So, while number 1 has a yellow spot, it is smaller and less pronounced. Number 4 has the largest, creamiest field spot and the most prominent webbing, making it the best choice.