Does watermelon go bad? 

Do you know does watermelon goes bad? Can you store watermelon for a long time? Many people are unsure of whether or not this fruit has a shelf life.

In this blog post, we will answer that question for you. We will also discuss how to store watermelon and how to tell if it has gone bad. So, read on to learn more about the shelf life of watermelon.

Watermelon is a refreshing summer fruit that is enjoyed by people of all ages. While it is a healthy food that is packed with nutrients, it also has some drawbacks. One of the biggest disadvantages of watermelon is its high sugar content. 

A single cup of watermelon contains almost 15 grams of sugar, which is more than double the amount found in a cup of grapes. In addition, watermelon is a very messy fruit to eat. The juice can stain clothing and carpeting, and the seeds can be a choking hazard for young children.

Does Watermelon Go Bad?

Though watermelons can last for a week or more on the countertop, they will eventually go bad. When a watermelon starts to go bad, it will develop brown or yellow patches on the exterior. 

The flesh of the fruit will also become softer and less intensely colored. In addition, the fruit may start to leak juice and develop an off-putting smell. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to throw out the watermelon. 

While a small amount of discoloration may not affect the taste of the fruit, old watermelons will generally be sour and unappetizing.

So, if you’re not sure how long your watermelon has been sitting out, it’s better to err on the side of caution and discard it. We hope now you know the answer to, does watermelon go bad. 

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How Long Does Watermelon Last?

With proper storage, watermelons can last anywhere from 7-21 days. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy your watermelon at its peak:

• First, select a watermelon that is uniform in shape and has a dull rather than shiny appearance. 
• Then, check for any bruises or soft spots. 
• Once you’ve found the perfect watermelon, take it home and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat it, cut the watermelon into slices or cubes and enjoy.

If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Watermelon is a great addition to fruit salad or can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.

So next time you’re looking for a tasty and refreshing treat, reach for a watermelon. 

How Long Does Watermelon Last After Cutting? 

Depending on the storage conditions, unopened watermelon can last for several days. If you cut watermelon and store it in the fridge, it will last for about 2-3 days.

However, the time it takes for the watermelon to spoil will depend on a few different factors, such as the temperature of where it is stored and how well it was stored before being cut.

How Long Does Watermelon Last In The Fridge?

Watermelon can last for up to two weeks in the fridge. Watermelon is a great snack choice because it’s low in calories and high in nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. It’s also a good source of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant.

That said, like most fruits, watermelon should be consumed within two weeks of being refrigerated to maximize its nutrient content. 

6 Tips to Tell if Watermelon Has Gone Bad

There are several methods to check if the watermelon has gone bad. One way to tell if watermelon has gone bad is to look at the color. Another way to tell is by smelling it.

Moreover, you can cut into the watermelon and see if there are any signs of mold. Now, let’s discuss these in detail. 

Smell and Taste

The watermelon has gone bad if it smells like vinegar or ammonia. It will also have a slimy texture and taste sour.

If the watermelon is still in the early stages of spoilage, you might be able to salvage it by removing the bad parts and eating the rest. However, if it has gone bad beyond salvaging, then you should discard it.

Check For Mold

If you see any mold on the watermelon, then it has most likely gone bad and is not safe to eat. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on many different types of food, and it’s not always easy to see. Mold typically appears as a white, green, or black fuzzy growth on the food. It can also cause the food to smell musty or earthy.

Watermelon Patch

If you’re not sure if a watermelon is still good to eat, there are a few things you can do to check. One way is to look for a watermelon patch.

If the watermelon has a brown or black area on it that’s been identified as a watermelon patch, then it’s probably bad and shouldn’t be eaten.

Tap The Sides

Usually, it’s not possible to check whether the watermelon has gone bad just by tapping the sides. There are many factors that can affect the sound a watermelon makes, including the ripeness of the fruit, how fresh it is, and even the weather conditions on the day it was harvested.

The only way to know for sure if a watermelon has gone bad is to cut into it and look at the flesh. If it’s discolored, sunken in spots, or feels slimy or soft when you touch it, then it’s likely been spoiling for some time and isn’t safe to eat.

Rind Color

Watermelon can last for up to two weeks after it has been cut, but you can tell if it has gone bad by its rind color. If the watermelon is starting to turn green or yellow, then it has gone bad and should not be eaten. Otherwise, the watermelon is most likely safe to eat.

The Shape

It’s difficult to judge whether or not a watermelon has gone bad just by its shape. Many times, we think watermelon is bad when it’s simply overripe.

Overripe watermelons will be softer than normal, and they may have a slightly different color. However, there are other factors that can cause a watermelon to go bad, such as splitting open or developing mold.

4 Tips to Store Watermelon

If you have too much watermelon, or if you want to enjoy it later in the season, there are a few ways you can store it. 

1 – Cutting into slices and cubes

First, cut the watermelon into slices or cubes and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep it fresh for up to two weeks

2 – Freezing the watermelon

You can also freeze watermelon for longer-term storage. Simply place the slices on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag, and they will keep for up to six months. 

3 – Drying the watermelon

You can also dry watermelon as another way to extend its shelf life. Start by cutting the watermelon into thin slices and then arrange them on a dehydrator tray.

Dehydrate at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours or until completely dry. Dried watermelon can be stored in an airtight container for up to one year. 

4 – Pickle the watermelon

You can pickle watermelon as another way to preserve it. Cut the fruit into small pieces and then soak it in a pickling solution overnight.

The next day, transfer the watermelon to jars and seal them tightly. Pickled watermelon will last for several months when stored in the refrigerator. By following these tips, you can enjoy watermelon all season long.

The Risk of Consuming Expired Watermelon

There is a very low risk of consuming expired watermelon. The watermelon will most likely be safe to eat, but it may not taste as good as a fresh watermelon.

If the watermelon has been in a fridge, then it is likely that the quality of the watermelon will be better than if it has been left out at room temperature. 

How To Store Watermelon?

If you want to freeze watermelon, cut it into cubes or slices first and then freeze it. Watermelon can be stored at room temperature for a few days, but it will last longer in the fridge. If you’re wondering, does watermelon go bad, read the article from the start. 

Can You Freeze Watermelon?

Yes, you can freeze watermelon. When frozen, the water in the fruit turns to ice and results in a slightly different flavor and a harder texture. Freezing also causes some of the sugar in the fruit to convert to glucose and fructose, which can make the fruit taste sweeter.

What can you do with spoiled watermelon?

There are a few things you can do with spoiled watermelon. 

• If the watermelon is still in good condition, you can cut off the bad parts and eat the rest. 
• If the watermelon is too spoiled to eat, you can use it in smoothies or juices. 
• You can also use it to make ice pops or snow cones.

How to pick a watermelon?

Look for a watermelon that is symmetrical and has a uniform color. The rind should be dull, not shiny. Avoid watermelons with bruises or cuts in the flesh. The best way to pick a ripe watermelon is to thump it. A ripe watermelon will have a deep thump and sound slightly hollow.

FAQs

Now we know the answer to the question, ‘does watermelon go bad.’ Let’s move toward some most frequently asked questions about watermelons. 

When should you not eat watermelon?

You may avoid eating watermelon if you are taking medication for diabetes or if you are pregnant. Watermelon can cause blood sugar levels to spike, so it is not recommended for people with diabetes. Additionally, watermelon contains a high level of sugar and can also contribute to gestational diabetes in pregnant women.

What does spoiled watermelon taste like?

The taste of spoiled watermelon can vary depending on how it is stored. If the watermelon was stored in a cold environment, it might taste a bit sour. If the watermelon was stored in a warm environment, it might taste slightly fermented.

When should you not eat watermelon?

You should not eat watermelon if you are experiencing kidney problems or are on a low-potassium diet, as watermelon is high in potassium. Additionally, consuming too much watermelon can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps. 

If you are pregnant, it is best to avoid eating too much watermelon as it contains a high level of sugar. Finally, people who are allergic to latex should also avoid eating watermelon, as the two share a common allergen.

What does rotten watermelon smell like?

Rotten watermelon smells very sweet and musky, almost like perfume. The reason it smells this way is that a chemical called “lactone” is released when the fruit starts to rot. Lactone is a compound that’s also found in vanilla and other spices, which is why these foods also have a strong, sweet smell.

What does spoiled watermelon taste like?

Spoiled watermelon tastes like a mix of sour milk and rotting flesh. If you’ve ever eaten a piece of fruit that’s been sitting out for too long, you’ll know the taste I’m talking about.

The watermelon will be soft to the touch and have an off-white or yellowish hue. Avoid eating any watermelon that looks like this, as it is most likely spoiled.

What does an overripe watermelon look like?

An overripe watermelon will look significantly softer than a normal watermelon. It may also have a yellow or orange hue, and the skin may be covered in light brown spots. If you press on the watermelon, it will give a noticeable and release a sweet scent.

Does uncut watermelon go bad?

Yes, uncut watermelon will eventually go bad. However, it can last for a week or two in a fridge if stored properly. When storing watermelon, keep it in a cool, dark place, and make sure to wash it thoroughly before cutting into it. We hope now you know ‘does watermelon go bad’. 

Final Words

All in all, watermelon is a pretty resilient fruit and can last for up to two weeks when stored properly. However, there are some signs that it might be time to toss your watermelon if you see any of them.

If the watermelon has been cut, smells funky, or has mold on it, then it’s best to get rid of it. Otherwise, enjoy your sweet and nutritious fruit. Have you ever eaten a bad piece of watermelon? Let us know in the comments below. 

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