First, ignore the size. Bigger isn’t better. Instead, hunt for a watermelon with a creamy yellow patch called the field spot. That’s where it rested on the ground, soaking up sunshine.
If the spot is white or pale green, the melon was picked too early. You want buttery yellow. It’s like the fruit’s little tan line, promising sweetness inside.
Also, check for webbing—those brown, rough patches on the rind. More webbing means more pollination, which usually means more sugar. Think of it as beauty marks of flavor.