Storing Watermelon: How Long Can Watermelon Last in the Fridge? Watermelon is probably one of the most loved summer fruits. There is nothing better than eating a few watermelon slices or drinking a glass cold of water on a sultry day. However, sometimes we buy more things than our needs.
Also, no one buys a quarter or half, but the whole watermelon. We understand that sometimes you too buy more watermelon and other fruits at a discount, thinking you’ll be able to enjoy the fruit all week.
But the excitement disappears in a day or two when the melon starts to deteriorate. Then suddenly, you get worried, thinking about how long can Watermelon last in the fridge, or how long does cut Watermelon last unrefrigerated. Right? So, we are here to help you get some idea about watermelon’s shelf life and preservation methods in detail.
Tips: If the whole piece of Watermelon has a much longer storage life than a cut watermelon.
Contents
Does Watermelon Go Bad? How Long Can Watermelon Last in the Fridge?
Like all fruits, watermelons can deteriorate. If you have a whole watermelon on hand, it is almost impossible to tell whether it is still in good condition or not. When you find the peel outside is moldy, it may be best to throw it away. But if it’s just some tiny black spots or bruises, it doesn’t explain the physical condition. Generally speaking, if you find the outside firm, there are no scars, and the color is more uniform; the flesh quality should be good. To check whether the Watermelon is in good condition, we need to look at the internal organs of the Watermelon.
If you have sliced or quartered Watermelon on hand, it is usually easy to tell whether the Watermelon is good or bad. First, check for mucus, soft spots, dark spots, or discoloration. All of these conditions are signs of over-maturing. Although those dark or light spots will not make you feel sick, you may not like them that much.
In short, if the pulp does not look good, it may not be fresh and should be thrown away. In addition to looking good, you should also smell the fruit. If it smells bad, it’s terrible. If everything looks correct, you need to make the final judgment based on taste.
FAQ: What happens if you eat bad Watermelon? The answer is pretty simple. You get sick if you eat bad Watermelon. So, if you find mucus on the sliced stored Watermelon, throw it right away.
What Is the Shelf Life of the Whole Watermelon?
After a whole watermelon is cut from the vine, it can be stored at room temperature for about 3-4 weeks. Therefore, the shelf life after purchase depends on the time in transit and its production time. This time varies. It may take one to two weeks for the fruit to reach the supermarket, and it may take several days to buy it. Therefore, it is better to consume Watermelon within 7 to 10 days after purchasing it. If the Watermelon was not in transit for a long time and you buy it when it reaches to market right away, it may be stored for a few more days. But it’s better to be safe than sorry, assuming it won’t be more than a week.
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FAQ: How long does uncut Watermelon last unrefrigerated? A whole watermelon is usually stored at room temperature and in the kitchen or storage room. But if you need to keep it for a few more days, up to 2 weeks or so, you can put it in the refrigerator. Once you cut the Watermelon or buy a pre-cut watermelon, the situation will change slightly.
How Long Can Watermelon Be Kept After It Is Cut?
Suppose you are concerned with how long Watermelon can last in the fridge. In that case, you should know that watermelons in different circumstances can last in the refrigerator for different periods. Watermelons that have been cut or sliced can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Whether you buy a pre-cut slice or shred it yourself, it should be stored in the refrigerator.
To maintain the freshness for five days, it must be wrapped tightly. If you have bought quarters in supermarkets, they are usually covered with plastic, so you should store them that way. If you don’t finish eating the whole Watermelon, unpack the package, cut off the required amount, and repackage it. If the remaining piece can fit in a freezer bag, you can also use this.
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If you don’t wrap the fruit, the fruit’s pulp will dry out and finally absorb the peculiar smell in the refrigerator. Neither is worthwhile, so wrap it up. If you have more watermelon slices that cannot be used within a few days, you may be looking for ways to extend the shelf life of this fruit. Although not ideal, freezing is also an option.
Storage Tips:
- A whole watermelon can be stored for about a week at room temperature and two weeks in the refrigerator. Cut watermelons or sliced watermelons should be refrigerated and stored for five days.
- You can freeze Watermelon, but this is only suitable for smoothies and fruit soaking.
Final Thought: How Long Can Watermelon Last in the Fridge?
When you search how long Watermelon can last in the fridge, you should know that watermelons are mostly water, which is not wise to freeze. Once thawed, it will become sticky and lose some of its color and flavor. But this does not necessarily mean that the freezing makes no sense. Frozen Watermelon has some very interesting use. On hot days, or when you need to refresh yourself, you can enjoy watermelon cubes with water or a smoothie.
First, remove the watermelon skin. Then, you need to remove the seeds and cut the pulp into chunks. Then, put them on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet, and store them in the deep fridge. You have delicious frozen watermelon cubes for your smoothie when the cubes get frozen. And, it is so far the best way to store watermelon for the most prolonged periods.