How to Store Watermelon
Wait. Whole watermelon should be left at room temperature until ripe.Refrigerate. Once ripe, place the whole watermelon, uncovered, in the refrigerator.Seal. Once cut, seal cut watermelon halves or slices in a Glad® Zipper Bag.Refrigerate. Store in the refrigerator.
Does a whole watermelon need to be refrigerated?
Keep whole melons like watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew on the counter for best flavor. USDA research found that storage at room temp may even help keep the antioxidants better intact. Once cut, store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
How do you make a watermelon last longer?
Remove the rind, cut the melon into pieces, and then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Store in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag for up to six months.
How do you store uncut watermelon?
The uncut watermelon should be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This will keep your watermelon from picking up the scents or flavors of other food in your refrigerator. Store large cut pieces of watermelon in your fridge. Once it’s wrapped in plastic, you can store your watermelon in the fridge.
How long can you keep an uncut watermelon?
That depends a lot on whether you’ve cut it up or not. A whole, uncut cantaloupe or honeydew melon should last for seven to 10 days in the refrigerator. A whole, uncut watermelon is even sturdier: It should be good for two weeks.
How long does a watermelon last?
Whole watermelons keep for approximately a week at room temperature and two weeks in the refrigerator. In the fridge, cut watermelon will last between 3 and 5 days.
How can you tell if a watermelon is ripe?
A ripe watermelon will feel sturdy and have a resonant, satisfying hollow sound. That means it’s bursting with watermelon juiciness and is at its peak of ripeness. If the thwap is dull sounding or the fruit feels soft, pass on it.
What fruits should not be refrigerated?
Fruits That Should Not Be Stored in the Refrigerator
Apricots, Asian pears, avocado, bananas, guava, kiwis, mangoes, melons, nectarines, papayas, passion fruit, pawpaw, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plantain, plums, starfruit, soursop, and quince will continue to ripen if left out on the counter.
How long do watermelons last in the fridge?
If you’re worried about your watermelon spoiling, you can pop the whole thing in the fridge; FreshDirect says that you can keep a whole watermelon in the fridge for up to three weeks, at best.
How long can watermelon sit out at room temperature uncut?
If melon pieces sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours, throw them out. If you have to wonder how long they’ve been out there, they’ve been out too long. Cantaloupes, watermelons and other melons are great, nutritious foods – but if they’re handled incorrectly, they can make you very sick!
How long does a watermelon last after picking?
Once picked, uncut watermelon can be stored for about two weeks at room temperature, or refrigerated between 45 to 50°. Uncut watermelons have a shorter refrigerator life, so store at room temperature until ready to chill and eat.
Should you wash watermelon before cutting?
Before cutting, wash the outer surface of the melon thoroughly with cool tap water to remove surface dirt; scrub with a clean produce brush. Wash all food-contact equipment and utensils that contact cut melons (cutting boards, knives, etc.)
Can you freeze cut watermelon?
To freeze watermelons, cut the fruit open. You can cube the melon, freeze it in big chunks, or use a melon baller or spoon to create small balls. Remove seeds as you cut the melon. Place the melon pieces on a baking tray.
Does watermelon go bad before cutting?
A good rule of thumb is to eat pre-cut watermelon by the expiration date, or at the most, within five days of buying the fruit. Watermelon you cut yourself and store in an airtight container in the fridge should also be eaten within five days.
