How to choose a watermelon
Thump.
If it sounds too hollow or too solid, you don’t want it. You have to thump several to get the comparison. Too hollow usually means there’s less dense material (mealy meat) and too solid means it’s too watery (which is to say so diluted that it’s not sweet enough). And almost never use the outer rind to determine the quality. Great melons sometimes look ugly.
The Wife just remarked last night that I’m in charge of picking out watermelons because I am consistent in my selection of tasty melons. Last night’s was deep red and had a thinner white line. Sweet, juicy, and naturally delicious.
I also see no point to salting or peppering the melon. The melon, if sufficiently good, needs no embellishment or seasoning (much like a quality steak — if you put A1 on that quality steak, I will thump you like a watermelon!). And I tend to eat mine in very large slices, ice cold, with a large spoon.