How to Pluk the perfect watermelon.

A ripe, juicy watermelon is the perfect complement to a clear, breezy summer day. Unfortunately, not all watermelons are created equal. There is almost nothing more disappointing than cutting into a fresh watermelon to find that it isn’t as good on the inside as it looked in the store.

Most people choose a watermelon at random and hope for the best. Stop playing watermelon roulette! There is a simple way to choose the perfect watermelon every single time. It’s easy and doesn’t require the sixth sense your grandmother always used to pick out produce.

To pick the perfect watermelon follow the PLUK method.

P - Pick it up: The watermelon should be heavy for its size. If it feels too light, it isn’t ripe.

L - Look at it: It should be dull, have no irregular patterns or bumps, and have an oval shape.

U - Under it: Search for the watermelon’s field spot. This is where the watermelon rested on the ground while it grew. Its field spot should be an orange-yellow cream color.

K - Knock on it: It should sound hollow. If you hear a dull thud, stay away from that watermelon!

Next time you’re in front of the watermelon bin, remember to PLUK the perfect watermelon.