Watermelons are at their best from mid-June to late August. If you're buying a whole watermelon, look for a fruit that's symmetrical, with a dull, firm and unblemished rind. A watermelon with one flat, yellowish-brown side is a good thing. That's a sign that the melon has sat on the ground and ripened for a long time.

Another supposedly reliable method for selecting a ripe melon: Slap it. If you hear a thump that sounds as if the fruit is hollow, it should be ready to eat.

When buying cut watermelon, make sure the flesh is bright and moist, since dry, grainy watermelon doesn't taste good. If you see a bunch of little white seeds, the watermelon has been cut too early and will lack the sweetness you are after.

Recipe: Watermelon Pizza (Washington Post)
Recipe: Watermelon Salad With Arugula, Ricotta Salata And Walnuts (Sweet Myrtle & Bitter Honey)