Summer is an ideal time to stock up on watermelons, especially as the fruit is incredibly hydrating. A bowl of freshly cut watermelon, whether it’s served as a side plate or added to a salad with mint and feta, is a staple on many tables as the weather gets hotter, but there’s nothing worse than soggy watermelon.

In fact, soggy watermelon is anything but refreshing and can quickly ruin a picnic or lunch spread, especially if it’s gone warm. While knowing how to choose the right watermelon can prevent any disappointment, there’s a few essential steps you can do before serving it that will ensure it stays fresh. In an article for Serious Eats, recipe developer Leah Colins revealed how to prepare watermelon and all you need is a bowl, a sieve and a sprinkle of sugar.

Watermelon can quickly become soggy once cut into cubes or slices, as this releases its natural juices. Adding it to a salad, or even placing it down on a plate, means it’s left to sit in this liquid.

But giving yourself 30 minutes of spare time before you plan on serving or eating watermelon can prevent it from becoming a mushy mess by using what Leah describes as an “easy, science-backed fix” that’s essentially a “quick sugar bath”.

The fancy-sounding process of maceration simply refers to soaking fruit in order to release its natural juices, and it also works with watermelon, helping to bring out its natural, sweet flavour and stopping it from becoming soggy.

A similar process is used in vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes which have a high water content, with salt applied to draw out excess water through a process called osmosis.

Leah explains that salt won’t work for watermelon, however, as it can easily end up pulling out too much moisture from the delicate fruit.

Instead, sugar “pulls just enough water from the watermelon to firm up the texture” and ensures it “won’t flood your salad later”.

While many might find watermelon bland-tasting, maceration also helps bring out its fruity flavour. It’s ideal for preparing watermelon ahead of time so that it stays juicy and fresh.