Oregon Public Broadcasting

Northwest watermelon farmers say between now and mid-September is their peak season. It's when the sweetest melons are harvested. But how do you pick a good one?  Anna King went to the Pasco farmers' market to find out.

Anna King / Northwest News Network

Rochelle Walchi at the Pasco farmers market

Rochelle Walchi at the Pasco farmers market in south-central Washington.

Rochelle Walchli: "My name is Rochelle Walchli, and we have Hermiston Melon Company out of Hermiston, Ore. The easiest and best way is to pick the melon up and hold it in your hand and use the flat of your hand and cup the melon and tap it. If you feel a vibration all the way through the melon and not a thud, then that’s a solid melon."

Rochelle Walchli: "Hear the difference? The higher pitched melon is going to be a solid melon, once you cut it, it will be a perfect cut."

Rochelle Walchli: "This is the best part of the watermelon, it’s called the heart. Definitely the best part."

Rochelle Walchli: "Hi there, how are you? How can I help ya?"