One of the grand traditions of our great nation is the summertime ritual of trying to figure out how to select the perfect watermelon.

Granted, the ability to gaze upon a bin full of bright green melons and discern which one is the juiciest and sweetest. Unless you’re Superman with X-ray vision, this can be a daunting challenge that is fraught with peril.

There are, however, a few tried-and-true ways that Your Working Boy has figured out over the past half century of melon-picking. None of this is proven, mind you, and some experts scoff at my methods. But I don’t care; it works for me.

Herewith then are a few tips for picking the best watermelon:

First, give it a good thwack.

Brace your middle finger firmly with your thumb and give the melon a good thump. What are you listening for? I like to hear a hollow sound that just feels right.