The Crimson Sweet is a popular watermelon variety prized for its crisp texture, small seeds, and high sugar content, often measuring around 12% Brix at maturity. This cultivar typically weighs between 15 to 25 pounds and does not continue to ripen once removed from the vine, making timing crucial for peak flavor. Determining when a Crimson Sweet watermelon reaches maximum sweetness requires observing several physical and auditory clues. Relying on a combination of external indicators is the most effective approach to finding a perfectly ripe melon.
Checking the Ground Spot and Exterior Color
The most reliable visual cue for ripeness is the ground spot, the area where the melon rested on the soil. For an unripe melon, this spot will appear white or a very pale green. A ripe Crimson Sweet will display a ground spot that has transformed into a deep, creamy yellow or even an orange-yellow hue. This color change signifies that the melon has maximized its sugar storage while away from direct sunlight.
Examining the overall exterior provides additional confirmation of ripeness. An immature Crimson Sweet often has a waxy, shiny rind. As the melon matures, the skin loses this sheen, developing a duller or more matte finish. The characteristic dark and light green stripes should remain distinct, but the areas between the dark stripes may soften slightly to a creamy, pale green-white shade. A ripe melon’s rind will feel firm and resistant to pressure, indicating the internal flesh is dense and juicy.
The Auditory and Weight Test
The “thump test” involves tapping the watermelon’s rind with a knuckle or open palm to listen for a specific sound. A ripe Crimson Sweet watermelon should produce a deep, hollow, and resonant sound, often described as a “thud” or “pong”. This low-pitched resonance occurs because the internal flesh is dense and full of water and sugar, creating a cavity that vibrates with a deep tone.
Conversely, an unripe melon yields a higher-pitched, tighter, or more metallic ringing sound. If the sound is too dull or flat, it may indicate that the fruit is overripe and the internal flesh has begun to turn mealy or dry. A ripe watermelon should feel remarkably heavy for its size. Watermelons are approximately 92% water, so a heavier melon suggests a higher internal water content, which translates directly to a juicier and sweeter fruit.
Examining the Stem and Tendril
The condition of the stem and the tendril is a definitive sign of plant-based maturity. The tendril is a modified leaf that withers and dries out as the fruit reaches peak ripeness. For a Crimson Sweet, this tendril should be completely dried out and brown, not green or partially green.
If the stem is still attached, it should appear firm and somewhat dry. A green stem suggests that the fruit was picked prematurely, while a shriveled or overly soft stem might indicate the melon is past its prime. The combination of a dried tendril and a creamy yellow ground spot offers the strongest confirmation that the Crimson Sweet watermelon is ready for consumption.