How Long Does an Uncut Watermelon Last?

Do you know cut and uncut watermelon last differently? Well yes. An uncut watermelon kept on a shelf should last for ten days.

Watermelons are tasty; they are rich and satisfying. You have just bought a whole watermelon and are contemplating whether to keep it as a whole or cut it before storing it.

Which one last long? Where should I keep it? And how can I tell when my watermelon has gone bad? I know you have many questions. You will find answers to them in this article.

Does uncut watermelon go bad?

Like every other thing, watermelons go bad, cut, or uncut. Since there is always an expiration date on the label of pre-cut watermelon packets (which you should pay attention to), there are usually no labels on uncut watermelons. However, this does not mean they do not go wrong.

Spoilt uncut watermelon may not be easy to identify, but with a close examination of the texture, color, and smell, you should be able to pick up on the fact that it has gone wrong and avoid eating or buying it. 

How do you know your uncut watermelon has gone bad?

1. Color

The first way to know your whole watermelon is spoilt is by checking the color. The melon should be green and not have any brown patches or spots. Does your watermelon look more brown than green? It is time to throw it out.

2. Texture

The second way to know your whole watermelon is spoilt is by checking the texture. If the skin feels loose and soft, your watermelon has gone bad.

3. Mold spot

You can also know your whole watermelon is spoilt by checking for moldy spots or spots of black mold on the surface of the melon.

4. Smell

Do you want to know if your watermelon has gone bad? Smell it. The smell always gives it away. You have checked the color and texture, and you have checked for mold spots. If you can’t find anything, it is time to smell it. Watermelons should have a sweet, pleasant smell; if it does not have this and instead gives a foul odor, it is spoilt. Sorry hon, but you might have to throw this one away.

At what temperature does watermelon go bad?

Uncut watermelon begins to rot at roughly 50 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the first thing you need to know. If you want to keep the watermelon fresh for two days, you’ll need to add a few ice packs if your house is colder than this or if you have an unheated garage or basement. Uncut watermelons should be stored at between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

This happens because watermelon consists mainly of water.

Uncut watermelons often last up to two weeks at room temperature. However, this depends on the variety and storage methods used. If you have not cut your watermelon, it is best to store them in a brown paper bag in your refrigerator. The dark color of the paper will prevent them from getting too heated.

Should I freeze my uncut watermelon?

Most of us believe this is the best way to store watermelon. However, due to its high water content, freezing is not the best option for storing watermelon. When you defrost watermelon that has been frozen, the texture will change. The fruit’s appearance after thawing is the real problem, not the freezing procedure itself.

However, if you must freeze watermelon, cut it first before freezing. It would be best if you didn’t try to freeze a watermelon whole. Also, take the seeds out of the watermelon before freezing. It’s better to freeze watermelons without seeds. You may use frozen watermelon to create smoothies and fruit-infused water. Crush and blend it to produce a smoothie to avoid problems with texture changes. When making a refreshing summer cocktail, you can easily use watermelon cubes rather than regular ice cubes.

What is the best way to store watermelon?

Method 1: Store whole

It would be best if you kept uncut watermelons at room temperature. As stated earlier, a whole watermelon can lose some nutritional value if you put it in the refrigerator. The easiest way to preserve a watermelon if you will be using it soon is to keep it whole at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. So this involves just one step of placing the watermelon in a dry place at room temperature. However, if you are doing this, remember that you will have to consume watermelon daily.

Method 2: Store in halves

• Step 1: Wash

You can wash your uncut watermelon with soap and water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after washing.

• Step 2: Cut and Wrap

Cut the watermelon in two. This is good for you if you cut your watermelon in half and want to store one half. Nylon should be used to wrap the watermelon’s cut end.

Wrap the uncut watermelon in plastic wrap very firmly. You can then put it in the fridge. Doing this can prevent your watermelon from catching the flavors or aromas of other foods in your refrigerator.

Method 3: Store as slices or cubes

• Step 1: Wash

You can wash your uncut watermelon with soap and water. Make sure to rinse thoroughly after washing.

• Step 2: Cut

Cut the watermelon in two and cut the watermelon halves into transverse slices. You can choose to keep it like this or proceed to into cubes. If you decide to cut in cubes, lay the pieces flat and cut them into cubes. If you only intend to snack on the watermelon, cubing it is the best option. However, remember that thawed watermelon will be softer than fresh watermelon when you freeze it.

If your freezer is limited in space, you can alternatively freeze the watermelon in slices. Compared to cubes, watermelon slices will stack more readily.

• Step 3: Store

You should place the diced or slice watermelon in an airtight container and put it in the freezer.

How to pick an excellent uncut watermelon

Do you constantly find yourself buying unripe or overripe watermelons? Don’t be too hard on yourself; I’ve also been there. It is pretty easy to pick a good-cut watermelon. However, we might have some problems with picking the right uncut watermelon. There is no need to worry as I guide you in selecting the right watermelon for the next time you go watermelon shopping.

• Step 1: Thorough Examination

Do you notice dents, holes, or decaying areas on the watermelon?

• Step 2: Feel the weight.

Take it up. Is it weighty? It needs to be heavy. The majority of the watermelon is water. It’s not ideal if it feels light for its size in comparison to other watermelons.

• Step 3: Look at the bottom

The watermelon should have a creamy tint on the bottom side. However, it will look white if it is not and bright yellow when it is over-ripe.

FAQ

Cut or uncut, which lasts longer?

Uncut watermelon at room temperature should last for ten days. However, cut watermelons placed in a fridge will last for 3 to 5 days.

How long do frozen watermelon cubes last?

Freeze watermelon cubes will last for up to 6 months.