The Ultimate Guide to Storing Cut Watermelon

17 September, 2024

Watermelons are a refreshing treat, packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, citrulline, and lycopene, yet low in calories. But what happens when you can’t finish this delicious fruit in one go? The text below offers some handy tips for prolonging the life of sliced watermelon, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty for longer.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy slice of watermelon on a hot day. This delicious fruit is not only a great way to cool off, but it’s also packed with nutrients that are beneficial to our health. However, watermelons can be quite large, and sometimes we find ourselves with more than we can comfortably finish in one sitting. So, what’s the best way to store sliced watermelon to keep it fresh and tasty?

Storing Sliced Watermelon

It’s convenient to cut up a watermelon and store it in the fridge for easy snacking, but improper storage can lead to quick deterioration. One of the simplest and most effective methods for storing sliced watermelon is to use airtight food storage containers or plastic wrap.

Place the sliced watermelon neatly into a plastic or glass container with a tight-fitting lid. If you don’t have a suitable container, you can alternatively cover a plate of watermelon with plastic wrap, ensuring it’s well sealed. This helps prevent moisture loss and limits exposure to air, thus inhibiting bacterial growth and mold.

Once your watermelon is securely wrapped or stored in an airtight container, place it in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will slow down the decomposition process, giving you a few extra days to enjoy your fruit. However, even with optimal storage, it’s best to consume the watermelon within three days. After this period, it may start to become mushy and unsafe to eat.

Even when stored in the fridge, it’s important to check on your watermelon daily to ensure it remains in good condition. If you notice any strange odors or signs of spoilage, it’s best to discard the fruit to avoid any potential food safety risks.

When storing sliced watermelon in the fridge, keep it away from strong-smelling foods like fish or cooked dishes. Watermelon can absorb these odors, affecting its flavor when you come to enjoy it later.

If you find yourself with an abundance of watermelon and can’t possibly finish it all before it turns, why not get creative in the kitchen? Watermelon makes a great addition to salads and can also be blended into refreshing juices or smoothies. This way, you reduce waste and get to enjoy this delicious fruit in a variety of ways.

It’s best to consume sliced watermelon within 3-4 days to ensure freshness. (Istock illustration)

Who Should Avoid Eating Watermelon

While watermelon is a nutritious and healthy treat for most, there are a few groups of people who should exercise caution when consuming this fruit. According to an article on the Nguyen Tri Phuong Hospital website, the following individuals should limit their watermelon intake:

– People with stomach ailments: Watermelon has a cooling nature, and for those with stomach problems, consuming large amounts can aggravate the condition and cause further discomfort.

– Diabetics: The sweeter the watermelon, the higher the sugar content. As such, people with diabetes should monitor their intake to avoid blood sugar spikes.

– Those with kidney disorders: Eating excessive amounts of watermelon can lead to water retention and edema, causing discomfort and increasing the risk of acute heart failure.

– Individuals with a cold or flu: Watermelon’s cooling properties may further cool the body, prolonging the illness.

– People with mouth ulcers: Contrary to popular belief, eating large amounts of watermelon will not speed up healing. Instead, its diuretic effect may lead to dehydration, slowing down the healing process.

– Pregnant and postpartum women: During pregnancy, women often experience reduced insulin sensitivity, affecting their ability to regulate blood sugar. Consuming too much watermelon can further elevate blood sugar levels. Postpartum women should also refrain from eating large amounts due to their weakened state, as it may cause stomach aches and diarrhea.

– Elderly individuals: Older adults are more susceptible to heart, stomach, and kidney ailments, and therefore, they should consume watermelon in moderation to avoid any adverse effects on these organs.

According to VTC news

Frequently asked questions

Cut watermelon can last between 3 to 5 days in the fridge if stored properly. To ensure the watermelon stays fresh and crisp, it is important to store it in an airtight container or sealed bag, and to keep it away from strong-smelling foods as it can absorb odors.

The best way to store cut watermelon is in an airtight container or sealed bag. Make sure to remove any excess moisture with a paper towel before storing, as this will help keep the watermelon fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy. It is also important to store watermelon away from strong-smelling foods to avoid absorption of odors.

Yes, you can freeze cut watermelon. Frozen watermelon makes a great snack and can be used in smoothies. To freeze watermelon, place the cubes or slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the watermelon to a sealed bag or container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Cut watermelon that has gone bad will show signs of spoilage such as a mushy texture, discoloration, or a sour smell. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to discard the watermelon. To prevent spoilage, make sure to store the watermelon properly and consume it within 3 to 5 days of cutting.

It is not recommended to store cut watermelon at room temperature as it can spoil quickly. The best way to ensure the watermelon stays fresh and safe to eat is to store it in the fridge. However, if you need to store it at room temperature for a short period, make sure it is in an airtight container and consume it within a few hours.