Buzz
Watermelon is a tasty treat during the summer, but for your health, it’s important to know when it's gone bad. To identify spoilage, look for signs of mold or a sour odor. You can also check the expiration date to predict if the watermelon has gone bad.
Steps
Identifying a Spoiled Watermelon
Check the skin for mold or dark spots. Mold or dark patches on the watermelon’s skin are clear signs it’s no longer fresh. Mold can be black, white, or green and feels bumpy to the touch.
Check if the watermelon skin has a vibrant color. The watermelon should have a uniform green skin or distinct stripes. A striped watermelon will alternate between light and dark green shades.
Examine the inside for deep pink or red hues. These colors indicate freshness. If the watermelon has an unusual color, such as black, it should not be consumed.
- Different watermelon varieties have different flesh colors. For instance, apart from the usual red watermelon, there are also yellow or orange-fleshed varieties.
Check if the flesh is dry and spongy. When a watermelon is no longer fresh, its crisp flesh begins to wither. The flesh and seeds also begin to separate. In some cases, the watermelon may become slimy and mushy.
Smell the watermelon before cutting it. A fresh watermelon will have a sweet, fresh aroma. If it smells sour or musty, it's spoiled and should be discarded.
Estimate Freshness Based on Days
Check the expiration date. If you’ve bought pre-cut watermelon from the store, the packaging will indicate the best-by date, the date by which the watermelon is still fresh, or other information about its shelf life. The expiration date will tell you how much longer the watermelon will stay fresh.
Pre-cut watermelon should be consumed within 5 days. Properly stored cut watermelon will remain fresh for 3 to 5 days. It’s best to eat pre-cut watermelon as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.
Whole watermelon stored at room temperature should be eaten within 10 days. After about a week, a whole watermelon left outside the fridge will begin to wilt. To enjoy it at its freshest, eat the whole watermelon soon after purchase.
Don’t eat a whole watermelon stored in the fridge after 2-3 weeks. A whole watermelon kept in the fridge will start to wilt after 2-3 weeks. To prevent spoilage, eat it within two weeks of buying it.
Keep Your Watermelon Fresh Longer
Store whole or sliced watermelon in the fridge. Watermelon is typically kept in the fridge at 13°C. However, storing watermelon at 21°C can actually increase its levels of lycopene and beta-carotene (two important antioxidants).
Store cut watermelon in an airtight container or bag. The best way to preserve cut watermelon is in a resealable plastic bag or a container. This will help maintain its flavor and freshness.
- To save time, you can also wrap the watermelon in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Considerations for freezing watermelon. Some people advise against freezing watermelon because thawing or cutting a frozen piece can cause it to release water. If you do decide to freeze watermelon, make sure to store it in a sealed container or a freezer-safe bag. Frozen watermelon will stay fresh for about 10-12 months.
