How to choose a safe melon: useful tips

Melon is a very healthy fruit; it is a real source of folic acid (vitamin B9), beta-carotene (vitamin A), and vitamins C and P. It is worth noting that melon flesh is rich in silicon, iron, potassium, magnesium, fiber, and a special enzyme that prevents damage to body tissues. It is most often eaten fresh, sometimes made into delicious desserts, and ice cream, and added to lemonades.

MasterChef winner Yevhen Hrybenyk shared useful tips on how to choose a delicious, ripe melon at markets and stores on his Instagram.

What to look for first of all:

1. Appearance

The melon should be free of cuts, dents, cracks, and spots. The flesh under spots and dents can be bitter.

2. Flexibility

If you press down on the skin with your fingers, the melon should spring a little. If it is firm, it is still green. If, on the contrary, your fingers fall through, then the melon is overripe and will soon spoil.

Plus, it may be bitter near the skin.

3. Sound

When you pat the melon, it should make a dull sound.

4. The smell

A ripe melon smells like honey. If you don't smell it at all, the melon smells only green, or the smell is already unpleasant, it's best to set it aside.

It's worth noting that melon can be added to fruit salads, mashed, and made into ice cream.