Timeline for the appearance of safe watermelons announced

Watermelon season is open: why experts urge not to rush with buying the striped berry

The summer season has brought long-awaited watermelons to store shelves and markets, however specialists are sounding the alarm: early specimens may hide danger. Real, safe and naturally ripened watermelons appear on sale no earlier than the second half of July.

Early watermelons, which can be found at the beginning of summer, are often grown using chemical growth accelerators and nitrates. Such fruits may look appetizing and ripe, but in reality they don't have time to develop natural sweetness and pose a potential health threat, especially to children and people with sensitive digestion.

"The optimal time to buy watermelons is from mid or late July. It is during this time that fruits from regions where watermelons ripen naturally - without stimulants and chemicals - enter the market," explains agronomist Viktor Samoylov.

How to identify a safe watermelon? Pay attention to a dry stem, characteristic "hollow" sound when tapped, and a yellow spot on the side - a sign that the berry ripened in the sun. But cracks in the rind, absence of seeds, or overly bright red flesh are reasons to be wary.

Experts advise: waiting a little means protecting your health. A watermelon bought at the right time will bring more benefits and pleasure.