Male vs female watermelon? The truth about the myth and how to pick the sweetest one

The concept of determining the sweetness of a watermelon from the viewpoint of "male versus female" classification is popularly known among people. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the assertion that sweetness can be predicted through shape or physical characteristics. Indeed, while watermelon plants (Citrullus lanatus) have both male and female flowers, the resulting fruit does not have any gender association at all.Scientific investigation into the process by which fruits form reveals that watermelons become sweet through sugar accumulation and other factors. Knowledge about watermelon development would thus serve as a better indicator in selecting the right watermelon. The misconception occurs due to physical attributes such as the shape of the fruit, as well as the size of the blossom end. These traits are not always considered when assuming the fruit's sweetness.Studies show that the morphology of the fruit is affected by environmental factors such as irrigation and the effectiveness of pollination, but not by any sexual traits.The scientific proof of this can be found in the research, "Genetic and Molecular Regulation of Sugar Accumulation in Watermelon," published by Frontiers in Plant Science. In this research, it is explained that the morphology of fruit quality is governed not only by genetics and physiology but also by the appearance of the fruits.The scientific assessment of fruit quality considers specific criteria and not any assumption derived from the appearance of the fruit. The sugar content of the watermelon can be measured using the total soluble solids (TSS) method, expressed in degrees of Brix. Degrees of Brix refer to the proportion of sucrose in a liquid solution.The sweetness in a watermelon is attributed to the storage of sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose during the growth phase. There are various genetic and environmental considerations that affect sugar buildup in fruits.According to the study “Researchers find key gene in watermelon sweetening” in New Phytologist Foundation, discovered that CIVST1, a gene in watermelons, controls sugar transport and accumulation.Apart from genetics, other variables affecting sugar formation include proper pollination, access to light, and nutrients in the soil. Additionally, there needs to be sufficient time provided for ripening while on the plant, as watermelons do not undergo postharvest ripening.Rather than believing myths, agricultural specialists advise selecting watermelons using physical characteristics that indicate ripeness and quality.The presence of a creamy yellow or golden-yellow spot signals that the watermelon has matured properly while lying on the ground. Watermelons that feel relatively heavy usually have a higher water content and hence, adequate juice and ripening.A watermelon whose outer shell is not shiny but rather dull and firm may be fully ripe. If the rind is shiny, the fruit may have been picked too soon.In instances when there are dark spots similar to a web on the outside surface of your watermelon, it is a guarantee that the fruit was fertilised and, therefore, developed enough sugars.If your watermelon is evenly shaped with no irregularities, then chances are high that the fruit ripened uniformly.A ripe watermelon gives a thud-like sound upon tapping due to its fully matured inner parts.Male and female watermelons is a myth when talking about the watermelon fruit. It is true that there are different types of flowers produced by the plant. However, in the case of the watermelon fruit, one should base their selection on factors like its weight, the colour of its spot when lying on the field, and the texture of its rind.