How Long Does Watermelon Stay Good? Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness

The Shelf Life of Watermelon

Watermelon is a delicious, refreshing fruit that is enjoyed by many during the warm summer months. But if you have leftover watermelon after serving it at a picnic or party, you may be wondering, "how long is watermelon good for?"

How to Tell if Watermelon is Still Good

There are a few clear signs that indicate your watermelon has gone bad and is no longer good to eat:

• It develops soft, mushy spots
• It smells sour or fermented
• It grows mold
• The color changes to a paler pink or white

As long as your watermelon still appears fresh, feels firm, and smells sweet, it should still be fine to eat.

Uncut Watermelon Storage

A whole, uncut watermelon will typically stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The exterior rind helps keep the inner flesh protected. Store the watermelon whole and unwashed in the fridge.

Cut Watermelon Storage

Once you slice into a watermelon, it has a much shorter shelf life. This is because cutting into the watermelon exposes the inside flesh to air, light, and potential contaminants that can accelerate spoilage.

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, cut watermelon will stay good for:

• 3-5 days

Make sure not to leave cut watermelon out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The warmer temperature allows bacteria to multiply quickly and ruin the fruit.

How to Store Watermelon to Maximize Freshness

Storing watermelon properly is key if you want it to last as long as possible. Here are some tips for keeping watermelon fresh:

Store It Cold

Your refrigerator's cold temperature helps slow down watermelon's ripening enzymes and the growth of bacteria. Whole watermelon can be left out at room temperature for a day or two. But after cutting, it's best to refrigerate watermelon right away.

Seal It in An Airtight Container

Using a sealed plastic container or resealable plastic bag creates a protective barrier that prevents excess moisture loss. Allowing cut watermelon to dry out will cause it to shrivel and rot faster.

Don't Wash It Beforehand

Washing a watermelon before storage actually encourages spoilage rather than prevents it. The additional moisture can seep into the rind and promote microbial growth.

Wait to rinse watermelon right before eating it. Run it under cold water and gently rub the rind with your hand to clean.

Keep It Away From Other Produce

Ethylene gas contributes to fruits ripening and overripening. Storing watermelon in the same container as ethylene-producing fruits like apples, peaches, pears will cause it to deteriorate faster.

Picking a Good Watermelon

Starting with a fresh, just-picked watermelon will make it last significantly longer in your kitchen. When selecting a ripe watermelon, look for the following characteristics:

Heavy for Its Size

Heavier watermelons tend to have thicker, juicier flesh. Lift a few melons and choose a heavier one relative to its size.

Creamy Underside

A ripe watermelon has a yellowish, creamy colored spot underneath where it rested on the ground while growing. If the underside is white or green, it was likely picked too soon.

Smooth Rind

Choose a whole watermelon with a rind free from cuts, bruises, or dents, which signal early decay.

Dark Green Stripes

Subtle, thick dark green stripes and flecks on the exterior indicate optimal ripeness.

Freezing Leftover Watermelon

Another option if you have leftover watermelon is to freeze it. This stops the ripening process in its tracks so watermelon can be preserved for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Start by dicing, cubing, or balling your watermelon flesh. Arrange pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours until completely frozen solid.

Transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer-safe resealable plastic bag or airtight container. Squeeze out any excess air and return to the freezer immediately.

Thaw frozen watermelon in the refrigerator before using it. It's perfect for adding to smoothies, fruit salads, salsa, lemonade, and more even when out of season!

What Determines How Fast Watermelon Spoils?

There are several factors that influence watermelons rate of spoilage:

Ripeness Level

Fully ripe watermelon rots faster than unripe fruit with a lower sugar content and moisture level. Overripe watermelon is very perishable.

Damage/Injury

Nicks, cuts, and punctures to the watermelon's exterior quicken moisture loss and give entry points for mold and bacteria.

Hygiene & Cross-Contamination

Dirty watermelon that's been exposed to contaminants like bacteria from unclean hands, surfaces, utensils, etc. deteriorates quicker when these organisms grow.

Temperature Fluctuations

Heat and prolonged sunlight cause watermelon to age faster. Refrigeration is ideal, but letting cut pieces reach room temp for too long also reduces its viable life.

Health Benefits of Watermelon

Not only is watermelon a sweet, refreshing treat, it also packs an array of health perks. Watermelon provides impressive nutrients and antioxidants like:

Vitamin C

A 1 cup serving of watermelon contains 12% of the RDI for vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that strengthens immunity and helps your body absorb non-heme iron.

Vitamin A

Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene and lycopene antioxidants that promote good vision and cell growth.

Citrulline

Citrulline is an amino acid in watermelon that may improve circulation by dilating blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure.

Glutathione

The glutathione found in watermelon helps enhance heart health and optimize immune system response.

With all of these nutrients packed into this sweet summer cuisine, learning proper watermelon storage is key to enjoying it whenever you crave it.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.