Watermelon is the unofficial flavor of summer—a sun-soaked symbol of refreshment. But beyond the typical green rind and red flesh lies a whole world of heirloom and hybrid varieties, each with its own shape, color, and—most importantly—sweetness.
To quantify sweetness, we turn to Brix values, a standard measurement used in agriculture to determine the amount of natural sugars (sucrose) in fruits and vegetables. The higher the Brix number, the sweeter the bite. A value of 11 or above typically signals a particularly sweet watermelon. So, how do some of the most talked-about varieties rank when it comes to sugar content?
Top 10 Sweetest Watermelon Varieties (Ranked by Brix)
| Rank | Watermelon Variety | Brix Value (Average) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tropical Sunshine RZ F1 | 13 |
| 1 | Charleston Gray | 13 |
| 3 | Hime Kansen | 12.75 |
| 4 | Bradford | 12.5 |
| 4 | Densuke | 12.5 |
| 6 | Cracker Jack F1 | 12.25 |
| 7 | Belmont | 12 |
| 7 | Mountain Sweet | 12 |
| 9 | Orangeglo | 11.6 |
| 10 | Crimson Sweet | 11.5 |
Sweetness Breakdown
Tropical Sunshine RZ F1 and Charleston Gray lead the pack with a Brix score of 13, earning their place in the elite sweetness club. These top-tier varieties represent the pinnacle of watermelon flavor, delivering sugar-rich bites that go beyond good looks. Just below them are Hime Kansen and the renowned Japanese Densuke, both offering exceptional sweetness and often commanding higher prices in specialty markets, making them premium picks for discerning palates.
Meanwhile, heirloom favorites like Bradford and Mountain Sweet showcase the best of traditional breeding, offering rich, time-honored flavors that appeal to both growers and gourmet enthusiasts. On the more widely available end of the spectrum, Crimson Sweet and Orangeglo may rank lower in Brix value, but they remain dependable choices for balanced sweetness and commercial availability. These hidden gems still deliver a satisfying experience and remain popular among consumers looking for a reliable, classic watermelon taste.
Why Brix Matters More Than You Think
Most store-bought watermelons don’t advertise Brix values, yet sweetness is the number one trait consumers look for. Varieties with a Brix above 12 are often reserved for farmer’s markets, home gardens, or specialty grocers—and that’s where the real flavor hides.
Not only does Brix reflect sugar content, but it also correlates with overall fruit quality. A watermelon that scores high on the Brix scale is likely to be more aromatic, more colorful, and just plain more enjoyable.
Beyond the Red Flesh
The varieties listed here reflect the growing diversity of watermelon types now cultivated around the world. With flesh ranging from pale yellow (Orangeglo) to deep crimson (Charleston Gray), and shapes from oblong (Bradford) to nearly spherical (Densuke), sweetness is just one of many dimensions modern growers and foodies are exploring.
Takeaway: Know Your Melon
When shopping or planting watermelons, variety matters—a lot more than you might expect. While external signs like yellow spots, hollow sounds, and dried stems can help you pick a ripe one, understanding Brix values gives you the clearest insight into sweetness potential.
For those chasing the absolute peak of flavor, varieties like Tropical Sunshine RZ F1, Charleston Gray, and Hime Kansen deserve your attention.
Because when summer rolls in, you don’t just want a watermelon—you want the sweetest slice on the table.