One of the most reliable signs is where on the plant the watermelon sits. A ripe watermelon has a dry, brownish, and slightly woody stem or remnant. This fruit ripened naturally in the field and had time to accumulate maximum sugar content.
Conversely, a green, fresh stem indicates that the grower cut the melon too early and that it ripened off the plant. Such fruits are generally less sweet.
Look for a yellow spot on the bottom
Every melon has a spot where it lay on the ground. This spot should be creamy to buttery yellow in color.
