How long can you keep an uncut watermelon?

Watermelons are a delicious summertime treat that many people enjoy. However, it can be difficult to finish an entire watermelon before it goes bad. This leads to the common question: how long can you keep an uncut watermelon before it spoils?

Quick Answer

An uncut watermelon will typically last about 2-3 weeks if stored properly in the refrigerator. The exact shelf life depends on a few factors like the maturity of the melon and storage conditions. But in general, an uncut watermelon will stay fresh for around 14-21 days when stored at 40-50°F.

How to Tell if a Watermelon is Still Good

Here are some tips for checking if your uncut watermelon is still good to eat:

  • Look at the outside. It should be firm with no soft spots or cracks.
  • Check the bottom. It should be creamy yellow, not orange or brown.
  • Listen for a hollow sound when tapping. An unripe watermelon will sound dull.
  • Look for webbing on the rind. This is a sign it was left to ripen on the vine.
  • Smell it. It should smell sweet, not fermented.

If your watermelon passes these checks, it should be fine to store and eat for up to 2-3 weeks as long as it stays refrigerated.

Proper Storage

Proper storage is key to maximizing the shelf life of an uncut watermelon. Here are some tips:

  • Leave it whole. Cutting into it introduces bacteria.
  • Wash dirt off the rind if needed. Dry thoroughly.
  • Store in the refrigerator, ideally at 40°F or below.
  • Place in a plastic bag or container to contain moisture.
  • Avoid storing near foods with strong odors which can transfer.

Storing an uncut watermelon in the refrigerator helps slow down spoilage by chilling it to temps that deter bacteria growth. Just be sure not to store it below 32°F as that could damage the flesh.

Signs Your Watermelon is Going Bad

Here are some signs that your uncut watermelon has gone past its prime:

  • Soft or mushy spots on the rind
  • Brown or bruised flesh inside
  • Fermented or alcoholic smell
  • Mold growth on the rind
  • Liquid oozing from the rind

Once an uncut watermelon shows these signs of spoilage, it’s best to throw it out. Cutting out mold or bad spots won’t make the rest safe to eat.

Maximizing Freshness

Follow these tips to get the most fresh life out of your uncut watermelon:

  • Choose a ripe melon – Look for a creamy yellow bottom spot.
  • Store in the fridge right away after bringing it home.
  • Keep the rind intact – don’t cut into it until ready to eat.
  • Rinse dirt off gently – don’t soak the rind.
  • Use within 2 weeks for best quality and flavor.

Letting your watermelon fully ripen on the vine before harvesting helps it last longer. Prompt refrigeration stops the ripening process so the melon stays fresh and crunchy once cut.

Cut Watermelon Storage

Once you cut into your watermelon, the clock starts ticking even faster. Here are some tips for storing cut watermelon:

  • Refrigerate cut pieces immediately.
  • Seal tightly in an airtight container.
  • Use within 3-5 days for optimum freshness.
  • Freeze for longer storage – it will keep up to 6 months.
  • Avoid letting it sit out for over 2 hours once cut.

The high water content of watermelon means cut pieces spoil quickly at room temp. For best quality and food safety, refrigerate cut watermelon right away in an airtight container. Pieces stored this way will keep for 3-5 days.

Freezing Cut Watermelon

Freezing is a great option if you need to store cut watermelon for more than a few days. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Cut melon into 1-inch cubes or balls.
  2. Spread pieces on a baking sheet so they’re not touching.
  3. Freeze solid, about 2-3 hours.
  4. Transfer frozen pieces to an airtight freezer bag.
  5. Squeeze out excess air and seal the bag.
  6. Return to freezer and store flat.
  7. Use within 6 months for best quality.

Frozen watermelon won’t have quite the same crisp texture, but it will keep the flavor. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

Preserving Watermelon

You can extend the shelf life of fresh watermelon beyond just freezing it. Here are some ideas for preserving watermelon:

  • Watermelon jam – Cook crushed watermelon, sugar and lemon juice to jam consistency.
  • Watermelon salsa – Mix diced watermelon with onions, chiles and lime juice.
  • Pickled watermelon rind – Boil rind with vinegar, sugar and spices.
  • Watermelon juice – Puree melon flesh and strain out pulp.
  • Watermelon vinegar – Steep rinds in vinegar for a few weeks.

Preserved watermelon products keep for months or even years when properly prepared and stored. Refrigerate any opened jars for best quality.

Drying Watermelon

Drying watermelon is a traditional preservation method still used today. Here are some tips for drying watermelon at home:

  • Cut watermelon into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch slices or small cubes.
  • Spread in a single layer on dehydrator trays or baking sheets.
  • Dehydrate at 135°F for 6-8 hours, flipping halfway. Check for doneness.
  • Store dried pieces in an airtight container. Keeps up to 1 year.
  • Enjoy as a healthy snack or rehydrate in water for cooking.

Dried watermelon has an intensely sweet flavor and chewy texture. It makes a nutritious alternative to unhealthy snacking.

Eating Over-Ripe Watermelon

Watermelons that are past their prime tend to lose their crunch and develop fermented flavors. But you may still be able salvage an over-ripe watermelon if caught early enough.

Here are some tips:

  • Cut into it immediately – the riper the flesh, the faster it spoils.
  • Inspect the flesh closely – discard any brown or mushy parts.
  • Enjoy right away, don’t try to store it.
  • Use in smoothies or blends to offset texture issues.
  • Preserve into jam, pickles, juice or other products.

While not ideal, watermelon that is slightly over-ripe can still be used if it hasn’t started rotting. But be sure to cook or freeze it ASAP to halt further spoilage.

Food Safety

As with any fresh fruit, it’s important to follow food safety practices when handling watermelon:

  • Avoid cross-contamination – use clean utensils and cutting boards.
  • Wash hands before and after handling.
  • Keep cut pieces refrigerated.
  • Discard pieces that look or smell spoiled.
  • Refrigerate blended drinks or juices.

Listeria and Salmonella are potential risks with watermelon, so keep your kitchen and cutting tools clean. Refrigerate all cut pieces within 2 hours.

Allergy Concerns

Watermelon allergies are rare but can cause mild to severe reactions for those sensitive. Symptoms may include:

  • Itchy mouth or skin
  • Hives, rash or swelling
  • Runny nose, sneezing
  • Vomiting, diarrhea
  • Anaphylaxis (severe whole-body reaction)

Those with a watermelon allergy must avoid all forms, including raw, cooked, frozen and blended. Check ingredients on any prepared foods containing watermelon.

Nutrition

Watermelon is more than just a tasty summer treat – it also provides valuable vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here is the nutrition profile for 1 cup of watermelon cubes (154g):

Calories 46
Fat 0.23 g
Sodium 2 mg
Potassium 270 mg
Carbs 11.5 g
Fiber 0.6 g
Sugar 9.42 g
Protein 0.93 g

Watermelon is high in vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene. It’s also over 90% water, making it naturally hydrating. The seeds are edible and nutrient-dense as well.

Uses for Watermelon

Watermelon isn’t just for eating raw – there are many creative ways to use up this summer fruit:

  • Watermelon salsa
  • Watermelon slushies and smoothies
  • Pickled watermelon rind
  • Grilled watermelon steaks
  • Roasted watermelon seeds
  • Watermelon juice and popsicles
  • Vodka watermelon cocktails
  • Watermelon salads with feta
  • Gazpacho soup with watermelon

Next time you buy a watermelon, don’t let the leftovers go to waste. Get creative in the kitchen and make it a versatile part of your recipes.

Storing Other Melons

Watermelon isn’t the only melon that can be kept uncut for extended time. Here are some guidelines for other popular melons:

Honeydew

  • Whole: 2-3 weeks
  • Cut: 5-7 days

Cantaloupe

  • Whole: 1-2 weeks
  • Cut: 3-5 days

Galia

  • Whole: 1-2 weeks
  • Cut: 3-4 days

In general, store whole uncut melons for up to 2-3 weeks. Once cut, they last about 3-5 days refrigerated. Rind condition and storage temps affect exact shelf life.

FAQs

Can you freeze whole watermelon?

Freezing a whole uncut watermelon is not recommended. The slow freezing process causes cell walls to burst and results in mushy, watery flesh when thawed. You can freeze prepared watermelon chunks or balls, but not a whole melon.

How can you keep watermelon from spoiling too fast?

The best ways to extend watermelon freshness are: leaving it whole, washing but not soaking the rind, refrigerating immediately, and storing in a plastic bag or sealed container once cut. Keeping it cold slows spoilage.

Do watermelons ripen off the vine?

Watermelons do not continue ripening significantly after being picked from the vine. Choose a fully ripe melon with a creamy yellow belly spot. Storing at room temperature will not make it any riper or sweeter.

Can you refrigerate watermelon with the seeds in?

Yes, it’s fine to refrigerate watermelon with the seeds still inside. The seeds themselves don’t hasten spoilage. Just be sure to store cut pieces in an airtight container.

How do you keep watermelon fresh overnight?

To keep watermelon tasting great overnight, refrigerate any cut pieces in an airtight container. If left out at room temperature, cut watermelon will lose its crisp texture and start to ferment overnight.

Conclusion

With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy fresh watermelon for up to 2-3 weeks if the melon is kept whole. Once cut, be sure to refrigerate watermelon in an airtight container and use within 3-5 days. Freezing also extends the shelf life for 6+ months. Follow these simple tips to reduce waste and enjoy watermelon when you crave it!

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