Concerns about watermelons being tampered with using chemicals to enhance sweetness, size, or appearance have been circulating online and in public discussions. If you are picking up a watermelon this season, here are some simple checks that can help you decide whether it is fresh and naturally ripened.

Check the weight first

A fresh watermelon will usually feel heavier than it looks. This is because it is made up of around 90 percent water. A lighter fruit for its size may not be as juicy or well-ripened.

Look at the surface closely

A healthy watermelon generally has a firm and smooth outer surface. It should not look overly shiny or greasy, as excessive shine could suggest artificial polishing or treatment.

Also, avoid watermelons with bruises, holes, deep cracks or visible damage, as these may indicate contamination or poor handling.

Inspect the field spot

One of the most reliable signs is the field spot, which is the patch where the watermelon rested on the ground while growing. A good watermelon will have a cream, light yellow or light orange field spot.

If the spot appears white or pale green, it may suggest that the fruit was harvested too early.

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Signs linked to chemical injection concerns

There have been claims that some watermelons are injected with substances such as erythrosine-based food colouring or artificial sweeteners to improve appearance or shelf life. In such cases, vendors may allegedly use needles or syringes.

Look out for:

  • Small holes or needle-like puncture marks near the stem or blossom end
  • Unusual cracks, breaks or strange scarring on one side
  • Soft or spongy patches in certain areas where the rind appears weakened

If any of these signs are clearly visible, it is advised to avoid the fruit.

Colour and seed check inside the fruit

When cut open, a natural watermelon does not usually have a perfectly uniform red colour throughout. Instead, you may notice slight variations in shade, with some areas darker or lighter.

A very bright, almost artificial-looking red colour may raise suspicion of added colouring such as erythrosine.

The seeds also offer a clue. Naturally grown watermelons usually have black or dark brown seeds that look matte. Seeds that appear overly glossy or red may indicate artificial treatment.

Simple colour test at home

A quick check some people use involves wiping the inside of a cut watermelon with a clean cotton ball or tissue.

If the cloth remains white, the fruit is likely not adulterated

If it turns pink or red, artificial colouring may have been used and the fruit should be avoided

If you are still unsure, there are a couple of simple home tests often suggested:

Water test: Place a small piece of watermelon in a glass of clean water. If the water quickly turns pink or red, it may indicate the presence of artificial colourants.

Vinegar test: Some sources suggest placing a piece of watermelon in white vinegar to observe any unusual colour change.

These are not laboratory tests, but they may help identify suspicious fruit.

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How to choose a naturally ripe watermelon

Once you have checked for possible signs of tampering, focus on ripeness:

Weight: Choose the heaviest watermelon for its size, as it is likely juicier

Thump test: Tap the fruit gently. A deep hollow sound usually indicates ripeness, while a dull or metallic sound may suggest it is not ideal

Field spot: A creamy yellow spot is a good sign, while white or missing spots are less desirable

Stem and blossom end: A dry, slightly flaky stem and a dry blossom end usually indicate natural ripening