Often I have wished for a way to test the ripeness of a melon or other fruit which is sitting on my kitchen counter before I open it. Sometimes the old squeeze 'n sniff just isn't accurate. This is a flat tool like a paring knife which cuts into the rind and with syringe like action draws out just a drop of nectar to test the sweetness. Also in doing so, one can feel if the pulp is soft enough to proceed. The incision is so small -about 2 cm wide, so as not to disturb the fruits' ripening.

Before you pounce on me about Farmer John's Citrus thingy, this is not to make juice, just to test.
-- dentworth, Jun 28 2004

illustration http://picasaweb.go...5091506463457800466
[dentworth, Aug 01 2007]

perhaps folks are worrying that it's done in the shop before purchase rather than in the home.
-- po, Jun 28 2004


Most melons around here smell sweet at the ends when they're ripe - very simple test. Some you can tell by tapping, as well.

But if you want to use technology, ultrasound will tell you if a fruit is ripe. This is being Baked as we speak.

For myself, I'm not about to buy any fruit with a skin blemish, especially when it's man-made.
-- DrCurry, Jun 28 2004


[DrC] This is about fruit I have already bought, I sit them on my counter top until I think they are ripe. I edited the description.
-- dentworth, Jun 28 2004


[Solely tempted to post the Hector Collector, but a certain webmistress doesn't like that kind of thing.]
-- DrCurry, Jun 28 2004


mmmm.... melons. Wish I had a ripe one right now.
-- dentworth, Aug 02 2004


[DrC]: Do it! You know you want to.
-- angel, Aug 02 2004


I discovered recently that if you cut open a melon and find it is not ripe yet, just close it up immediately and wrap it in brown paper or newspaper to keep it dry. Leave it out on the counter for a couple more days. it will ripen some more.
-- dentworth, Apr 26 2005



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