Buzz
Watermelon is a summer favorite, but its large size makes storage tricky. To keep it fresh, cut the watermelon into large pieces, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Alternatively, slice it into smaller, ready-to-eat portions and store them in airtight containers for a refreshing treat without waste. For extended storage, freeze the cut pieces, making them convenient for use in various dishes.
Steps
Storing Large Watermelon Slices
Store whole watermelons at room temperature. Refrigerating an uncut watermelon can reduce its nutritional value. If you don’t plan to cut it immediately, keep the whole watermelon at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
- It’s still best to cut or freeze the watermelon within two weeks of purchase.
Use plastic wrap to cover the cut surface of the watermelon. If you’ve halved the watermelon and want to save one half, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents the watermelon from absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator.
Store large watermelon slices in the refrigerator. Once wrapped securely, you can place the watermelon in the fridge. It’s best to cut the watermelon into smaller pieces and consume or freeze them within 3-4 days.
Storing Small Watermelon Pieces
Only cut as much watermelon as you need. Cutting the entire watermelon might lead to leftovers. Slice the watermelon in half and store one half in the refrigerator.
Remove the watermelon rind. Peel the rind off the half you plan to cut into smaller pieces. Start by placing the cut side of the watermelon on a cutting board and slice off the rind from top to bottom, following the fruit’s curve.
Cut the watermelon into small pieces. Slice the watermelon into sections, then cut those sections into rectangular pieces, and finally dice them into small cubes.
Store watermelon in an airtight container. Even when stored in a sealed container, watermelon will lose its freshness and sweetness within 3-4 days. Be sure to consume it before this time, or it will become watery and lose its flavor.
Freezing Watermelon
Remove the rind. Halve the watermelon and place the cut side down on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp knife, slice off the rind from top to bottom (starting from one end) and follow the curve of the fruit. Repeat this process around the entire watermelon.
Cut the watermelon into small cubes. To dice the watermelon, slice the halves into crosswise pieces or cube them directly. For cubes, lay the slices on a cutting board and cut them into small squares.
- If you plan to use frozen watermelon for smoothies or sorbets, dicing it into cubes is ideal.
- Cubed watermelon is also best if you intend to eat it as is. However, thawed watermelon will be softer than fresh, so keep this in mind when freezing.
- You can also freeze watermelon slices if your freezer space is limited. Slices are easier to stack than cubes.
Freeze watermelon in a single layer. Arrange the watermelon slices in a single layer on a baking tray. Place the tray in the freezer and allow the watermelon to freeze solid. You may need to check every 10 minutes to see if the watermelon has frozen.
Transfer the watermelon to an airtight container. Once the watermelon is fully frozen (after about an hour in the freezer), you can move it to a sealed container or a freezer-safe plastic bag. Frozen watermelon can be stored for up to 6 months.
