Watermelon is one of the most popular fruits during the warm summer months. Its sweet, refreshing taste makes it a delicious snack or dessert. Many people enjoy having fresh watermelon readily available by storing an uncut watermelon in the refrigerator.
Quick Answers
Here are quick answers to common questions about storing uncut watermelons in the refrigerator:
- Can you refrigerate a whole uncut watermelon? Yes, you can refrigerate a whole uncut watermelon.
- How long does an uncut watermelon last in the fridge? An uncut watermelon will typically last 7-10 days when refrigerated.
- Should you wrap an uncut watermelon before refrigerating? Yes, wrap the watermelon in plastic wrap or place in a plastic bag before refrigerating.
- Where is the best place to store a watermelon in the fridge? Store the watermelon on a shelf rather than in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Will refrigerating a watermelon affect the taste? Refrigeration can make the watermelon slightly less sweet but will help it last longer.
Can You Refrigerate a Whole Uncut Watermelon?
Yes, you can refrigerate a whole uncut watermelon. Refrigerating an uncut watermelon can help extend its shelf life by slowing down mold growth and water loss. An uncut watermelon has a natural protective rind that will allow it to last for a week or more when stored in the refrigerator.
Refrigeration causes the watermelon flesh to become slightly less crisp, but it does not negatively affect the flavor. The chilling enhances the melon’s sweet taste. The only downside to refrigerating watermelon is it may lose some of its natural sugars over time.
As long as you consume the watermelon within a week or two of refrigeration, you will still be able to enjoy its refreshing, juicy qualities. Refrigeration helps buffer the melon from temperature changes and ethylene gas that hastens ripening and rotting.
How Long Does an Uncut Watermelon Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, an uncut watermelon will typically last 7 to 10 days. The whole, intact watermelon lasts longer than pre-cut watermelon because its thick rind protects the flesh inside from exposure to air, mold, and bacterial growth.
Proper refrigeration is key to maximizing an uncut watermelon’s shelf life. Consistent temperatures between 40°F and 45°F slow down enzymatic reactions and water loss. Storing an uncut watermelon at the right humidity also prevents the rind from shriveling.
An uncut watermelon’s shelf life depends on a few factors:
- Freshness when refrigerated – A freshly harvested, unbruised watermelon will last longer than one that sat at room temperature for a few days.
- Storage method – Leaving the watermelon unwrapped in the fridge exposes it to circulating air that can dry it out faster.
- Handling – Bruises, cuts and punctures to the watermelon’s rind will cause it to deteriorate quicker.
- Temperatures – Ideal is around 40°F. Higher temps shorten shelf life.
Monitor refrigerated watermelons closely past the one week mark. Signs a whole watermelon is going bad include mold, soft spots, unpleasant odors and any oozing liquids.
Should You Wrap an Uncut Watermelon Before Refrigerating?
Yes, you should wrap an uncut watermelon or place it in a plastic bag before refrigerating it. Wrapping the watermelon helps retain moisture and prevents the rind from drying out in the refrigerator.
The best way to wrap an uncut watermelon for the fridge is:
- Pat the rind dry with a paper towel. Make sure it is clean and free of debris.
- Wrap the entire watermelon in plastic wrap, plastic bags or aluminum foil.
- Make sure the wrapping is secure so air cannot flow in or out.
Plastic wrap is the best choice for retaining moisture. Stretch it tightly around the watermelon several times until completely covered. Aluminum foil also works well. Place the wrapped watermelon in a plastic bag for extra protection.
If you do not wrap the uncut watermelon, its rind will quickly shrivel and dry out when exposed to the cold, dry air in the refrigerator. A dried out rind allows mold and bacteria to enter the flesh. Wrapping maintains freshness.
Where Is the Best Place to Store a Watermelon in the Fridge?
The best place to store an uncut watermelon in the refrigerator is on a shelf rather than in the main compartment. The shelves of the refrigerator tend to be the warmest areas, with temperatures around 40°F to 45°F.
Storing the watermelon in the coldest part of the fridge, near the back where temperatures can reach down to 34°F, will cause chilling injury to the flesh. Symptoms of chilling injury include mealy, mushy flesh, loss of sweetness and faster decay.
For optimal storage:
- Place the wrapped watermelon on a shelf in the refrigerator.
- Avoid cramming it into cramped spaces which can bruise it.
- Keep the watermelon away from ethylene-producing fruits like apples which hasten ripening.
- If keeping more than one watermelon, leave some space around each for air circulation.
Storing an uncut watermelon in the warmest area of the properly cold refrigerator will best maintain its texture and flavor.
Will Refrigerating a Watermelon Affect the Taste?
Refrigerating an uncut watermelon may slightly affect the taste but not significantly. The chilling causes watermelons to lose some of their natural sugars due to lowered enzyme activity. This can result in the chilled flesh tasting slightly less sweet.
However, the difference in sweetness is usually barely perceptible. And the chilled temperature provides a nice contrast to the watermelon’s innate juiciness on a hot day. Any nutritional losses from refrigeration are minimal.
To help a refrigerated watermelon retain maximum sweetness and flavor:
- Allow the watermelon to reach room temperature before cutting and eating it.
- Consume the watermelon within a week of refrigerating.
- Cut the melon into smaller pieces so it does not need to be refrigerated again after opening.
Properly stored in the refrigerator, an uncut watermelon will maintain excellent flavor, texture and juiciness to enjoy all summer long.
Tips for Storing an Uncut Watermelon in the Fridge
Follow these tips to properly store an uncut watermelon in the refrigerator:
- Choose a ripe, undamaged watermelon when purchasing.
- Before refrigerating, clean the rind with water and dry thoroughly.
- Wrap the watermelon tightly in plastic wrap, plastic bags or foil before placing in the fridge.
- Store the watermelon on a refrigerator shelf, not in the coldest section.
- Wash hands before handling the watermelon to prevent bacterial cross-contamination.
- Consume within 7-10 days for best quality and taste.
- Cut into smaller wedges or balls once opened, store in an airtight container.
Signs Your Refrigerated Watermelon Is Going Bad
Check refrigerated whole watermelons for the following signs of spoilage:
- Soft spots – Indicate mold or bacterial growth underneath the rind.
- Dents or bruises – Accelerated decay in damaged areas.
- Punctures or cracks – Allow contamination and moisture loss.
- Shriveled rind – Usually from inadequate wrapping during storage.
- White or pink mold – Visible mold is a clear sign to discard the watermelon.
- Unpleasant odors – Give off a sour, fermented scent when rotting.
- Oozing liquids – Leakage indicates advanced internal spoilage.
If you notice any of these warning signs, it is best to throw out the watermelon. Cutting away moldy or damaged parts will not make the rest safe to eat if contamination has already spread internally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you store an uncut watermelon in the fridge?
An uncut watermelon will typically last 7 to 10 days when properly stored in the refrigerator.
Should you keep a watermelon whole or cut it?
It is best to keep a watermelon whole with the rind intact until you are ready to eat it. The rind protects the flesh from exposure to air, mold and bacteria growth. Once cut, watermelon should be tightly wrapped, refrigerated and consumed within 5 days.
Can you freeze an uncut watermelon?
It is not recommended to freeze a whole uncut watermelon. Freezing causes damage to the cell structure, resulting in mushy, watery flesh when thawed. You can freeze cut watermelon in pieces or balls for later smoothies or cocktails.
Does refrigerating watermelon make it lose nutrients?
Refrigerating an uncut watermelon has minimal effects on its nutrient content. There may be some loss of vitamin C and B vitamins over time. But refrigeration does not deplete nutrients enough to make a significant nutritional difference.
Why does my refrigerated watermelon taste bland?
A watermelon that tastes bland or lacks sweetness after refrigeration may be overripe, stored for too long, or kept in a temperature that is too cold. Letting it reach room temperature before eating can improve the flavor.
The Benefits of Refrigerating Watermelon
While refrigerating watermelon does not provide noticeable nutritional benefits, it offers other advantages:
- Extends shelf life – Keeps uncut watermelon fresh for up to 2 weeks
- Slows ripening – Refrigeration inhibits overripening and decay
- Retains moisture – Prevents the rind and flesh from drying out
- Allows long-term storage – Lets you buy watermelons in bulk when in season
- Enhances flavor – The chilled melon is extra refreshing on hot days
Proper refrigeration preserves the delicious taste and juiciness that makes watermelon so enjoyable all summer long. It becomes easy to keep watermelon on hand for healthy snacking, cold desserts and beverages.
Conclusion
Storing an uncut watermelon in the refrigerator is an excellent way to extend its shelf life. The whole watermelon stays fresh for 7-10 days when kept refrigerated, allowing you to maximize each melon during its peak season. Wrap the watermelon in plastic and place on a fridge shelf, not in the coldest section. Monitor for signs of spoilage like mold growth or unpleasant odors. With proper refrigerated storage, an uncut watermelon retains its sweet, juicy qualities to enjoy all summer long.
