Ever wondered how long a watermelon can last?
Cutting open a fresh, juicy, and vibrant melon can make even the most seasoned food enthusiast throw caution to the wind.
But before you go losing your head in delirium over this delectable sweet treat, it’s important to understand whether your summer snack will stay good for more than one meal.
That leaves us with an all-important question: Does watermelon actually go bad?
Read on to find out how long a watermelon can typically last and some tips for making sure it stays fresh!
What’s Watermelon?
Watermelon is a sweet and refreshing fruit that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
The watermelon is actually a type of vine that grows in tropical and subtropical climates.
The watermelon vine can grow up to 20 feet in length and produces large, round fruits that can weigh up to 100 pounds.
The watermelon is composed of 92% water, which is why it is such a refreshing and hydrating fruit.
Watermelons are also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium.
Watermelons are typically red or pink on the inside with black seeds, but there are also yellow and orange varieties.
Watermelons are typically eaten raw, but they can also be used in juices, smoothies, or even made into wine.
Watermelons are a summertime favorite, but they can actually be found year-round in most grocery stores.
How Long Does Watermelon Last?
Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is perfect for summertime.
But how long does watermelon last? And how can you tell if it’s bad?
Watermelon will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
To extend its shelf life, keep it in a cool, dry place such as the pantry or basement.
You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a covered container.
To tell if watermelon is bad, look for signs of mold or discoloration.
The flesh should be firm and pink or red.
If it is starting to turn brown or has any soft spots, throw it out.
Watermelon is a delicious and healthy fruit that is perfect for summertime picnics and BBQs.
But how long does watermelon last? And how can you tell if it’s bad? Watermelon will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
To extend its shelf life, keep it in a cool, dry place such as the pantry or basement.
You can also wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a covered container.
To tell if watermelon is bad, look for signs of mold or discoloration.
The flesh should be firm and pink or red.
If it is starting to turn brown or has any soft spots, throw it out.
Enjoy your watermelon while it lasts.
What are The Signs that Watermelon Has Gone Bad?
The signs that watermelon has gone bad are:
- The watermelon is discolored or has brown spots.
- The watermelon smells bad.
- The watermelon is mushy.
- The watermelon tastes sour.
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw the watermelon out.
Eating bad watermelon can make you sick.
Can You Freeze Watermelon?
Yes, you can freeze watermelon.
Watermelon is a great summer fruit that can be enjoyed all year round if you know how to properly store it.
Freezing is one of the best ways to keep watermelon fresh and delicious for months.
Here are some tips for freezing watermelon:
- Cut the watermelon into small pieces or slices before freezing. This will make it easier to thaw and eat later on.
- Place the watermelon pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 2-3 hours, or until solid.
- Transfer the frozen watermelon pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the bag so you know when you froze it.
- Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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To thaw, simply place the frozen watermelon pieces in the fridge overnight or for a few hours at room temperature.
Enjoy as is or use in smoothies, cocktails, salads, or other recipes.
How to Store Watermelon?
Watermelon should be stored in a cool, dry place.
If you have a whole watermelon, it can last up to two weeks.
If you have cut watermelon, it should be stored in an airtight container and eaten within four days.
To maximize the shelf life of watermelon, do not store in direct sunlight; keep whole watermelons at room temperature and cut watermelon in the refrigerator.
How long does watermelon last? The precise answer to that question depends to a great extent on storage conditions – keep whole watermelons and cut watermelons out of direct sunlight.
Properly stored, a whole watermelon will last for about 2 weeks at normal room temperature.
To extend the shelf life of a whole watermelon, refrigerate at 32 to 41 degrees F (0 to 5 degrees C).
Cut watermelons will generally stay fresh for 4 days when stored in the fridge.
Can you freeze watermelon? Yes, you can freeze watermelon.
To freeze, first wash and then cut into slices or chunks.
Next, blanch by boiling for 3 minutes then cooling immediately in ice water.
Finally, drain well and pack into freezer containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
Frozen watermelon will keep for about 8 months in the freezer.
Conclusion
We’ve answered the question of how long watermelon lasts, how to tell if it has gone bad, and how to store it properly.
Watermelon is a great fruit to have in the summer and can last for a decent amount of time if stored correctly.
Keep an eye out for the signs that it has gone bad though, as you don’t want to eat spoiled watermelon.
Lastly, if you have too much watermelon and are worried about it going bad, you can always freeze it for later.
How Long Does Watermelon Last? Does it Go Bad?
Ingredients
- Watermelon
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Store your product in an labelled container in a cool, dark place like the pantry or fridge.
- If your food is frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge before cooking.
- Make sure to look for signs that your food has gone bad before eating it.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!