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Are elongated watermelons good?
Yes, elongated watermelons are good, and they can be just as sweet, juicy, and refreshing as the round ones you’re used to seeing.
If you’ve been wondering whether elongated watermelons are good, the short answer is that shape has nothing to do with quality.
An elongated watermelon can be every bit as tasty as a round one, and in some cases, it’s even easier to work with in the kitchen.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why elongated watermelons are good, what makes them different from round melons, and how to pick the best one at the store.
Let’s get into it.
Why Elongated Watermelons Are Good
Elongated watermelons are good for plenty of reasons, and here’s why:
1. Shape Has Nothing to Do With Sweetness
The biggest myth about elongated watermelons is that they’re less sweet than round ones.
That’s simply not true.
The shape of a watermelon is determined by its variety and genetics, not by its sugar content.
An elongated watermelon can be just as sweet, and often sweeter, than a round one depending on how ripe it is.
So if you’ve been passing up elongated watermelons because you thought they were inferior, you’ve been missing out.
2. Elongated Watermelons Are Easier to Slice
One of the best things about elongated watermelons is how easy they are to cut.
Their oblong shape gives you a natural axis to work with, so you can slice them into neat rounds or long spears without fighting the fruit.
If you’ve ever wrestled with a big round watermelon on a small cutting board, you already know how much of a difference this makes.
Elongated watermelons are good for anyone who wants less mess and more uniform pieces.
3. They Fit Better in the Fridge
Storage is another reason elongated watermelons are good.
Their long, narrow shape slides onto a refrigerator shelf much more easily than a wide round melon.
That means you can chill your elongated watermelon without rearranging your entire fridge.
And since cold watermelon tastes even better on a hot day, that’s a real win.
4. More Edible Flesh per Slice
Elongated watermelons tend to have a higher flesh-to-rind ratio in the middle sections.
When you cut across an elongated watermelon, you often get larger, cleaner slabs of fruit with less waste.
This makes elongated watermelons good for fruit salads, smoothies, and juicing.
You spend less time trimming and more time enjoying the fruit.
Are Elongated Watermelons Good for Growing at Home?
Elongated watermelons are good for home gardens too, and here’s why:
1. They’re Often Hardier Varieties
Many elongated watermelon varieties, like Charleston Gray, were bred for toughness and disease resistance.
That makes them good choices for home gardeners who want a reliable harvest.
They tend to handle heat and pests better than some finicky round varieties.
2. They Thrive in Long Growing Seasons
Elongated watermelons are good for areas with long, warm summers because they need time to reach full size.
If you live in a region with a short growing season, you may need to start them indoors.
But once they get going, elongated watermelons reward you with big, heavy fruit.
3. Great for Market Growers
Farmers often prefer elongated watermelons because they stack and transport well.
Their uniform shape makes them good for shipping without bruising.
That’s part of why you see so many elongated watermelons at grocery stores and farmers markets.
How to Pick a Good Elongated Watermelon
Knowing that elongated watermelons are good is one thing, but picking a ripe one is another.
Here’s what to look for:
1. Check the Field Spot
Flip the elongated watermelon over and look for a creamy yellow spot.
That’s where it rested on the ground, and a deep yellow color means it ripened fully.
If the spot is white or green, the elongated watermelon isn’t ready yet.
2. Look for a Dry Tail
The little stem end, sometimes called the tail, should be dry and brown.
A green tail means the elongated watermelon was picked too early.
A dry one is a good sign that it’s ready to eat.
3. Give It a Thump
Tap the side of the elongated watermelon with your knuckles.
A deep, hollow sound means it’s ripe and full of juice.
A dull thud usually means it’s underripe or overripe.
4. Feel the Weight
A good elongated watermelon feels heavy for its size.
That heaviness means it’s packed with water, which is exactly what you want.
If it feels light, the flesh inside is probably dry and mealy.
So, Are Elongated Watermelons Good?
Elongated watermelons are good, and they deserve a spot in your shopping cart.
Shape doesn’t affect sweetness, texture, or quality, so an elongated watermelon can be just as delicious as a round one.
They’re easier to slice, simpler to store, and often hardier in the garden.
So the next time you’re at the store and you see an elongated watermelon sitting there, don’t skip it.
Grab it, thump it, check that field spot, and take it home.
You might just find that elongated watermelons become your new favorite.