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Does Watermelon Go Bad
Watermelon can go bad in a short period, like all other fruits. If you cut the watermelon into pieces and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it should also be eaten within 5 days. A whole watermelon can last for about a week in your kitchen, though if it’s too warm, that may be too long.
The amount of time watermelons need to deteriorate depends on the condition of the fruit and its storage conditions.
How long watermelon goes bad depends on several factors, particularly how ripe it is when you pick it and purchase it, but you can still make it last by using a few tips below.
You should plan on using your watermelon in just a couple of days and pick a ripe watermelon to allow yourself to eat your best watermelon and make sure it does not go bad.
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How long before cut watermelon goes bad?
A cut watermelon’s shelf life is influenced by several variables, such as how it is stored, the surrounding temperature, and how much air it is exposed to.
Due to its high water content and potential for microbial development, cut watermelon generally begins to degrade rather fast. You can use the following parameters to estimate how long chopped watermelon will likely remain fresh:
Refrigeration: Watermelon should be instantly placed in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The cut watermelon should be refrigerated or stored in an airtight container after being carefully wrapped in plastic. Mold and bacteria development is slowed down by refrigeration.
Timeframe: In the refrigerator, chopped watermelon may stay fresh for 3 to 5 days. However, after the first few days, its quality can deteriorate.
Visual and Smell Check: Check visually and olfactorily to see if the chopped watermelon has gone bad. It is preferable to throw away watermelon if it appears to be mushy, slimy, discolored, or has an unpleasant odor.
Preventive actions Take into account these suggestions to help prolong the freshness of cut watermelon:
- Instead of cutting the watermelon in half at once, cut it into smaller pieces as needed.
- Handle the chopped watermelon with clean hands and utensils to lessen the chance of introducing contaminants.
- The cut watermelon should be kept in an airtight, tightly closed container.
- To stop mold from growing, you may consider putting cut watermelon in the refrigerator with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture.
Freezing: Watermelon can be frozen for later use if you have more chopped fruit than you can use in a few days. Watermelon’s texture might change when it is frozen, making it less desirable for eating raw. For use in recipes or for mixing into smoothies, frozen watermelon is frequently preferable.
The real freshness of cut watermelon can vary depending on elements, including its initial quality, storage conditions, and your own sensory evaluation. Keep in mind that these are basic standards. When in doubt, it’s best to be safe and toss any cut watermelon that looks or smells strange.
| Benefits | Shelf life |
| Helps you stay hydrated | It may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress |
| If cut in slices, 3-4 days | It may aid skin health |
| Cut watermelon 3-5 days in fridge | Cut watermelon for 3-5 days in the fridge |
Does watermelon go bad if not refrigerated?
Unrefrigerated watermelon can indeed spoil. Due to its high water content, watermelon is prone to spoiling, especially in warm, muggy weather. A whole watermelon can go bad rapidly if left out at room temperature or in the sun. Here are some things to think about:
Temperature and Shelf Life: Watermelons should ideally be stored at lower temperatures to maintain their freshness. A whole watermelon can lose its freshness after a few days when kept at room temperature, particularly in warm surroundings.
External Factors: Conditions like heat, humidity, and sunlight can hasten the rotting process. A watermelon can become overripe, mushy, or have an unpleasant texture and flavor if left out in the heat or the sun.
Physical modifications: As watermelon ages, it may get wrinkled, develop mushy areas, or exhibit evidence of mold growth. These are signs that the watermelon is past its prime and needs to be thrown out.
Refrigeration: Refrigerating the entire fruit can considerably increase a watermelon’s shelf life. Depending on the watermelon’s initial freshness and the refrigerator’s temperature, it can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks before being cut. Cut watermelon should be kept in the refrigerator and eaten within a few days for maximum quality.
Cut Watermelon: Put the watermelon in the refrigerator as soon as possible after cutting it. Cut watermelon left at room temperature can quickly go bad if bacteria are allowed to grow on it.
Watermelon’s freshness is increased, and the decay process is slowed down by refrigeration. It’s best to keep watermelon in the refrigerator if you want to enjoy it for longer, especially during warm weather.
Is it safe to eat overripe watermelon?
While eating overripe watermelon is normally safe, you might not love the quality, flavor, or texture. A mushy or gritty texture, a fermented or faintly alcoholic scent, and a flavor that may be less sweet and bland are all signs of overripe watermelon.
It might not taste as good as a watermelon completely ripe watermelon, but it won’t likely have any negative effects on your health immediately.
But there are a few things to think about:
Spoilage: Watermelons are more prone to mold growth and other types of deterioration as they get older and riper. Check the watermelon visually for mold, odd scents, or other decay indicators. It’s recommended to avoid eating it if you see any of these.
Bacterial Growth: An overripe watermelon can support the growth of bacteria, especially if it is chopped and left at room temperature. Watermelon sliced too ripe should be refrigerated to prevent the formation of hazardous germs.
Allergies or Sensitivities: Some people may be more sensitive to watermelon changes as it becomes overripe in terms of texture, flavor, or scent. It’s a good idea to approach overripe foods cautiously if you have a history of allergies or sensitivities.
Use in Recipes: If you have an overripe watermelon that you don’t want to eat raw, you might use it in fruit salads, smoothies, or even blended into a cool beverage.
Although consuming overripe watermelon is not likely to cause immediate health problems, it might not be the most enjoyable food option. Using your senses to judge the state of the watermelon before eating it is always a smart idea. It is advisable to throw something away if it appears seriously rotten, has a bad smell, or exhibits mold growth.
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How do you tell if a watermelon is good or bad?
Visual signals and sensory observations are used to choose a nice watermelon. Start by looking at the watermelons outside to ensure it is ripe and sweet. Look for one that is symmetrical and homogeneous in shape, with dull, matte skin as opposed to a shining surface.
On the bottom, look for clearly defined stripes and a creamy yellow or orange field spot—both are signs of maturity. When a watermelon feels weighty for its size, it is ripe and has a lot of water within it.
When softly tapping the watermelon, listen for a deep, hollow sound; stay away from those that produce these. Make sure the surface is smooth and free of soft patches, bruising, or inconsistencies by running your palm over it.
The stem should be dried and brown, and the base color should be vivid and uniform. When choosing, bear in mind your ideal size and shape. You can choose a watermelon that is at its best for consumption using these suggestions and your preferences.
When should you not eat watermelon?
It is advised against eating watermelons shortly before bedtime. After 7 o’clock, we do not advise eating fruit, including watermelon. Because it has a mild acidity, watermelon may cause digestion to take longer at night when the body is resting.
What will happen to you if you eat a watermelon that has gone bad?
After eating spoiled watermelon, you may develop a food-borne illness very quickly. Within a few hours, the first signs that something is wrong will be fatigue and a headache, followed shortly after that by vomiting and a feeling of nausea.
If the flesh of your watermelon is sticky, discolored, smells terrible, or has started to sprout something fuzzy, then you should throw away your watermelon.