Picking Watermelons

In honor of all the picnics happening all across the U.S. for the 4th of July, here's my foolproof winning strategy on how to pick a good watermelon.

1. First you step up to the pile or bin of watermelons, with a very serious expression. You must exude quiet confidence and a knowing air.

2. Sequentially tap or knock on several watermelons, listening for the appropriate sound that will denote ripeness and flavor.

3. Finally, just pick any watermelon at random and buy it. The whole knocking thing is just a sham anyway.

Or, the best strategy of all, if you, say, are at a farm market: just ask the proprietor to pick one for you. She or he should have the picking experience you lack...or will just be going through steps 1-3 above. In any case, you won't know either way and you'll feel like you got the right watermelon.

The beauty of this 3-step process is that it works for not only watermelons, but cantaloupes and honeydew melons as well.