Russia's consumer protection agency Rospotrebnadzor has shared guidance on how to choose a ripe, quality watermelon, according to remarks made to RIA Novosti.
Officials said a good watermelon has an intact, firm rind, a bright color, and a pale patch on one side. The flesh of such a fruit should be juicy and tender.
Rospotrebnadzor also advised against picking either the largest or the smallest watermelon on offer. Fruits of the same ripeness tend not to differ much in size, the agency said, making a medium-sized watermelon the best choice in most cases.
Shoppers were also reminded to store cut watermelon and melon only in the refrigerator.
Separately, nutritionist Nikolai Miller previously recommended that healthy people eat watermelon in the first half of the day, so that frequent bathroom trips do not disturb their sleep.
