How long does watermelon last in the fridge?

How long does watermelon last in the fridge?

Watermelon is well-known for its nutritional qualities and high-water content. It is also cheaper than other fruits in the market with several health benefits. Watermelon is 92 percent water, with the remaining 8 percent filled with vitamins, lycopene, antioxidants, and amino acids, making it an excellent diet. But how long does watermelon last in the fridge? This article answers your questions about that and how to store watermelons.

Does Watermelon Go Bad?

Watermelon, like most other fruits, will go bad after some time. How you store a watermelon, before and after purchase, determines its shelf life. While some of us buy entire watermelons, the bulk of us buy watermelons that have already been chopped. Watermelon is available in quarters, halves, and whole at most big chain grocery stores.

The label on pre-cut watermelon products usually includes an expiration date, which tells you how long watermelon lasts in the fridge. The issue is that rotting watermelon may appear and smell normal, but its acidic flavor informs you that it is no more edible.

Remember that if you preserve this fruit whole and chop it immediately before eating, it will keep its quality better. If you intend to maintain it for an extended period, the norm is to keep it at lower temperatures.

Shelf life of a Watermelon

If you buy a non-refrigerated watermelon, you may expect it to survive 7 to 10 days. If you chill your melon before cutting it, you should be able to consume a delicious watermelon within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you buy a half or quarter of watermelon from the refrigerator area of your local supermarket, put it right back in the fridge when you get home. Watermelon can only be left on the counter if consumed within a few hours. You can store a watermelon in the refrigerator for five days before becoming bad. It would help if you refrigerated it in an airtight container or wholly wrapped it in cling wrap.

If you bought more watermelon than you can eat in a week, another option is to freeze the leftovers. Cut any leftovers into cubes and store them in the freezer. Once frozen, cut watermelon can survive for up to a year.

If you buy securely wrapped quarters from the supermarket, you should encase them in plastic wrap. If you can’t consume the entire piece at once, keep the fruit in the same manner. Cut what you need and rewrap the leftovers before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer.

Factors to consider while buying a Watermelon

• When a watermelon is chopped, its shelf life reduces.
• Putting an entire melon in the refrigerator (if it fits) extends its shelf life.
• If you prefer to freeze watermelon, it is best to remove it and consume it frozen. When watermelon thaws, it loses its texture, flavor, and color.
• Storing your watermelon appropriately will reduce your chances of being unwell.
• Correctly preserving watermelon reduces food prices, eliminates waste, and allows you to eat the same watermelon several times.
• If you’re unsure about the expiry date of the watermelon, sliced melons frequently have a ‘use-by date.

Tips for storing watermelon

Refrigerating

Because sliced watermelon is only edible for a day when stored at room temperature, keeping the slices in the fridge for a few days is preferable. Be aware that refrigerating will modify the composition of the flesh and reduce the nutritional value of this fruit. Check for spoilage indications, wash the skin to keep dirt from contaminating the meat, and cut clean slices to prevent deterioration. Then, before putting the fruit in the fridge, securely cover it in plastic wrap.

Freezing

You may freeze watermelon to extend its shelf life, allowing you to utilize small cubes to prepare a smoothie or fresh beverage even when it’s out of season. You may also make ice cubes from blended watermelon and store them in a cube tray or a popsicle form. Watermelon, combined with spices, vegetables, and other fruits, produces delectable desserts.

Dehydrating

Because a low water percentage extends the shelf life and avoids rotting, drying watermelon is an efficient technique of preserving it. To dry watermelon, use a dehydrator since it allows you to control the temperature and airflow throughout the drying process. Before drying, peel the skin and cut the fruit into thin pieces. The treatment will last around 24 hours. If you properly preserve the pieces, you may have them as a spicy afternoon snack or make candy for your children.

Candied Watermelon Rinds

Cut the rinds into cubes and soak them in sugar syrup. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. Allow the mixture to cool before adding cinnamon to improve the flavor.

As you can see that just like any other fruit, watermelon, too, can be spoilt. We hope this article has answered your queries about how long does watermelon last in the fridge. Also, make use of the tips to extend the shelf life of your watermelon.