Watermelon

The watermelon is firm and evenly shaped. The exterior of a watermelon should be firm and have a hollow sound when hit lightly with an open hand. This is indicative of a perfectly ripe watermelon. The part of the watermelon that rests on the ground should have a yellow spot where it sat and matured. The edible rind may be used safely as a vegetable. In China, after the rinds have been deskinned and defruited, they are cooked with oil, garlic, chilli peppers, scallions and sugar. Pickled watermelon is common in the southern United States, Russia, the Ukraine, and Romania.