Grading Guide: Watermelon sizes | packs | Illustrated criteria
Definitions of Criteria for USDA Fancy Watermelon

Categories of Damage:

Sunburn
Hail, Rind Worm Injury Scars and Other Similar Defects Except Anthracnose
Whiteheart
Hollow heart
  • Area exceeds 9 sq. in. (58 sq. cm) of greenish-yellow sunburn of a 25 lb. (11.3 kg) watermelon
  • Aggregating more than 5 sq. in (32 sq. cm) on a 25-lb. (11.3 kg) watermelon
  • A hard white streak of flesh extending though the heart of the watermelon exceeding a circle 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter
  • Cracks aggregating more than 1-1/4 in. (33 mm) in width on a 25-lb (11.3 kg) long-type watermelon or the aggregate width exceeds 2 in. (51 mm) on a 25-lb (11.3 kg) round-type watermelon

 

Internal Rind Spot
Soft ends
Transit rubs
Bruises
  • Aggregate area exceeds a circle 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter
  • End yields readily to slight pressure applied by palm of the hand or shriveling is associated with the soft end
  • Aggregating more than 5 sq. in. (32 sq. cm) of medium brown discoloration on a 25-lb (11.3 kg) watermelon
  • Side bruises over 3 in. (76.2 mm) in diameter and sunken
  • End bruises over 2 in. (50.8 mm) in diameter and sunken

Created by C. Gunter and E. Maynard, Purdue University 2006. Based on US Standards for Grades of Watermelon, 01-15-1978 as reprinted 01-1997. Last revised 08-02-06.

This project made possible by financial assistance from Indiana's Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Value-Added Research Grant Program.