We tell you how to choose a watermelon on August 3 and not make a mistake.

      Let's figure out what to look for when buying, which varieties are more commonly found for sale, and why it's better not to buy a watermelon that has already been cut.

      August 3rd is celebrated as International Watermelon Day. It's a good reason to buy a ripe fruit, have a summer snack, and also remember how to choose a watermelon without disappointment.

      How to choose a ripe watermelon

      A good watermelon should have a whole rind, without cracks, dents, soft spots, or signs of spoilage. If the fruit is sticky, leaking, or smells sour, it’s not worth buying. Pay attention to the ground spot — a light area where the watermelon rested on the ground. For a ripe fruit, it is usually yellowish or creamy. A spot that is too white may indicate that the watermelon was picked too early. The stripes on striped varieties should be noticeable, and the rind should be firm. If it can be easily pressed in with a fingernail, the fruit may be under ripe or already losing freshness.

      Why you shouldn't buy a cut watermelon

      A cut watermelon on the street looks convenient: you can see the flesh right away. But this option is safer to avoid, especially in the heat. Dust and bacteria can easily get onto the knife, rind, and flesh. If a half sits out for a long time without refrigeration, the risk of spoiling the purchase increases. It’s better to buy a whole watermelon, wash the rind thoroughly at home, and only then cut it. This is especially important if children will be eating the watermelon.

      What varieties of watermelons are available

      In stores, you can most often see classic round or oval watermelons with red flesh. Buyers usually choose them based on size, appearance, and price. Among popular names are "Ogonok," "Astrakhan," "Crimson Sweet," and "Producer." They may differ in size, rind thickness, sweetness, and flesh density. There are also unusual options: watermelons with yellow flesh, mini-watermelons, and seedless varieties. They may cost more but are interesting for those who want to try something new.

      A short tip for buying:

      - take a whole watermelon without damage;

      - look for a yellow ground spot;

      - don’t buy halves from the street;

      - wash the rind before cutting;

      - store cut watermelon in the refrigerator.

      Interesting facts about watermelon

      Watermelon is almost entirely made up of water, which is why it is especially loved in the heat. It refreshes quickly but does not replace regular water throughout the day.

      Watermelon is not only eaten fresh. It is used to make lemonades, salads, sorbets, smoothies, fruit plates, and even savory snacks. In some recipes, the rinds are used — for example, for jams or candied fruits.

      The most summery way to serve it is to cut the watermelon into triangles, chill it, and serve with mint. For a festive table, you can make watermelon cubes on skewers or mix the flesh with berries.

      How to store watermelon at home

      A whole watermelon can be kept for some time in a cool place if the rind is undamaged. But after cutting, it should be placed in the refrigerator.

      It’s better to cover the flesh with plastic wrap or transfer it to a container. This way, the watermelon absorbs fewer odors and stays fresh longer.

      A cut watermelon should not be kept for long. If the flesh has become sour-smelling, watery, slimy, or has changed in taste, it should not be eaten.

      What to make with watermelon

      The simplest option is chilled slices. But for International Watermelon Day, you can make something more interesting.

      For a quick summer drink, blend the seedless flesh, add a bit of lemon juice and mint. If you want a dessert, freeze pieces of watermelon and blend them — you'll get a light sorbet.

      For a savory snack, watermelon can be served with soft cheese, herbs, and cucumber. This salad is great for a hot day when you don’t want heavy food.

      Read also:

      Cooking zucchini in an air fryer: quick recipes for a summer dinner

      author

      More news about the event:

      Roskachestvo warned about the dangers of watermelons with damage

      Roskachestvo explained why you should not buy watermelons with cracks, cuts, punctures, or dents. 15:17 03.08.2026 Newspaper Posinform - Nizhnekamsk

      We explain how to choose a watermelon on August 3rd and not make a mistake

      Let’s figure out what to look for when buying, which varieties are more commonly found for sale, and why it's better not to buy a watermelon that has already been cut. 15:03 03.08.2026 Newspaper Novaya Kama - Yelabuga

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      The watermelon season starts in the Voronezh region

      Ahead of the watermelon season, Roskachestvo experts reminded Voronezh residents about the risks associated with low-quality fruits. 16:17 03.08.2026 VrnTimes.Ru - Voronezh

      On Watermelon Day, Rosselkhoznadzor in Tver explained how to choose the berry

      On August 3rd, Watermelon Day, specialists from the Rosselkhoznadzor Administration for the Tver and Yaroslavl regions, along with journalists, visited the food base "Mercury" in Tver and shared practical advice with local residents. 16:16 03.08.2026 Newspaper Vsy Tver - Tver

      Astrakhan Rospotrebnadzor gave tips on choosing a watermelon

      On August 3rd, the world celebrates an unusual gastronomic holiday — World Watermelon Day. 15:53 03.08.2026 Southern Wave - Astrakhan

      In 1769, a capital scientist saw pickled watermelons in Tsaritsyn

      Photo: Dmitry Rogulin/"City News"

      In Tsaritsyn, watermelons cost half a kopeck each. 15:05 03.08.2026 Newspaper City News - Volgograd

      Choosing a watermelon: sweet, tasty, safe

      One of the main symbols of Russian summer is the watermelon. And although today it can be bought as early as June, many still believe that truly ripe watermelons appear on the shelves only in August. 15:04 03.08.2026 Rospotrebnadzor - Salekhard

      How to choose a watermelon that is ripe, sweet, and safe?

      Watermelons in their juiciest state have a sweet, almost sugary taste. 14:26 03.08.2026 Rospotrebnadzor - Kaliningrad

      Watermelon. How to choose a sweet watermelon, how to wash it, and how long it can be stored

      Watermelon. How to choose a sweet watermelon, how to wash it, and how long it can be stored

      Where to buy watermelon and how not to make a mistake when choosing. 14:24 03.08.2026 Rospotrebnadzor MO - Mytishchi

      Kirov residents were given tips for choosing a quality watermelon

      August 3rd is Watermelon Day.

      Rospotrebnadzor specialists remind that when choosing this melon crop, it is important to consider a number of factors to avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy the taste. 14:16 03.08.2026 VyatkaKirov.Ru - Kirov

      Kaluga residents were told how to choose a tasty and quality watermelon

      Rospotrebnadzor reported that a ripe watermelon has a firm intact rind without damage, a bright color, and a light spot on the side. 13:55 03.08.2026 TV and Radio Company Nika - Kaluga

      Choosing a watermelon: sweet, tasty, safe

      One of the main symbols of Russian summer is the watermelon. And although today it can be bought as early as June, many still believe that truly ripe watermelons appear on the shelves only in August. 15:30 03.08.2026 Rospotrebnadzor - Tyumen

      Dry tendril: Tomsk residents were given criteria for a ripe watermelon

      Tomsk Rospotrebnadzor recommends buying watermelons with a spot on the side. One serving of watermelon contains 25 percent of the daily norm of vitamin C and 12 percent of vitamin A.

      Photo: Anna KOVALEVA. 17:06 03.08.2026 Komsomolskaya Pravda - Tomsk

      Recommendations: how to choose a quality and safe watermelon

      When choosing a watermelon, it is important to consider a number of factors to avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy the taste. 11:43 03.08.2026 Belokholunitsky Municipal District - Belaya Kholunitsa

      Recommendations: how to choose a quality and safe watermelon

      With the onset of the melon season, specialists from the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Ulyanovsk region remind citizens of the rules for choosing a quality and safe watermelon. 11:40 03.08.2026 Rospotrebnadzor Ulyanovsk Region - Ulyanovsk

      Recommendations: how to choose a quality and safe watermelon

      When choosing a watermelon, it is important to consider a number of factors to avoid unpleasant surprises and enjoy the taste. 11:39 03.08.2026