Watermelon is a delicious and refreshing fruit that is perfect for summer. However, once you cut into a watermelon, it is important to know how long it will stay fresh and edible. Here is a comprehensive guide to watermelon storage and how long cut watermelon will last.
How Long Does a Whole Uncut Watermelon Last?
An uncut, whole watermelon will generally last about 2-3 weeks if stored properly. Whole, uncut watermelons should be stored at room temperature away from direct sunlight. The ideal storage temperature for a whole watermelon is around 50-60°F. Colder temperatures can cause chilling injury to the watermelon and reduce its shelf life. Storing whole watermelons at room temperature allows them to continue ripening and developing sugars.
There are a few signs that indicate your whole watermelon is going bad and should be discarded:
- Soft or mushy spots on the rind
- Mold or odd smells
- Dull or faded color on the rind
- Signs of bruising or puncture wounds
As long as your whole watermelon does not show these signs of spoilage, it should last around 2-3 weeks when stored properly at room temperature.
How to Store Cut Watermelon
Once a watermelon is cut open, it is important to store it properly to maximize its shelf life. Here are some tips for storing cut watermelon:
- Refrigerate – Store cut watermelon in the refrigerator, either in a covered container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The cold temperatures will help slow down spoilage.
- Add lime or lemon juice – Sprinkling some lime or lemon juice on cut watermelon can help inhibit bacterial growth and keep it fresher for longer.
- Keep the rind – Leaving the rind attached to the cut melon will help retain moisture and keep it from drying out.
- Avoid overcutting – Cut only as much watermelon as you plan to eat within the next few days. Overcutting will reduce its usable life.
How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last in the Fridge?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, cut watermelon will generally last around 3-5 days. The precise storage time depends on a few factors:
- With rind – Cut watermelon with the rind still attached will last a bit longer, around 5 days.
- Without rind – Watermelon flesh alone without the rind will only last 3-4 days.
- Container – Keeping cut melon in an airtight container helps extend its fridge life.
- Temperature – Colder fridge temperatures (around 32-34°F) prolong freshness.
No matter what, cut watermelon should not be left for more than 5 days maximum before discarding.
How to Tell When Cut Watermelon is Bad
There are a few clear signs that indicate your refrigerated cut watermelon has gone bad and should not be eaten:
- Mold growth – You may see fuzzy mold beginning to grow on the surface.
- Unpleasant odors – An overly fermented or spoiled smell.
- Lack of firmness – The watermelon flesh becomes mushy rather than firm.
- Duller color – The vibrant pinkish-red color fades.
- Excessive juice – Watery juice collects around the melon.
Does Cut Watermelon Need to Be Sealed or Covered?
It is not strictly necessary to seal or cover cut watermelon stored in the refrigerator. However, doing so can help extend its freshness. Allowing cut watermelon to remain exposed in the fridge can lead to some drying out or development of freezer burn on the surface. Here are some good ways to cover your watermelon:
- Plastic wrap – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface.
- Airtight container – Store in an airtight food storage container.
- Aluminum foil – Cover the surface with foil.
- Paper towels – Place a layer of paper towels directly on top of the cut fruit.
Can You Freeze Cut Watermelon?
Yes, it is possible to freeze cut watermelon for longer term storage. When freezing cut watermelon:
- Cut watermelon into 1-2 inch cubes or balls.
- Spread pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer frozen pieces to an airtight freezer bag.
Properly frozen watermelon can last for 4-6 months in the freezer before deterioration. When ready to eat, simply thaw the frozen watermelon in the refrigerator. The texture may become a little mushier after thawing.
How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last at Room Temperature?
Leaving cut watermelon out at room temperature is not recommended. Unlike whole melons, cut watermelon perishes rapidly when left out of refrigeration. Some guidelines for cut watermelon at room temp:
- Around 2 hours if left uncovered.
- Up to 4 hours if kept tightly covered in the shade.
For optimal food safety and quality, refrigerate cut watermelon within 2 hours of slicing it. The longer cut melon sits at room temperature, the faster bacteria will multiply.
Tips to Extend the Life of Cut Watermelon
Here are some extra tips to help your cut watermelon retain optimum freshness and safety for consumption:
- Clean cutting surface and knife – Always slice watermelon on a clean sanitized cutting board with a sharp knife.
- Wash before cutting – Rinse whole watermelons under water before slicing to wash away bacteria.
- Cut to proper size – Cut watermelon into smaller pieces to minimize surface area exposed to air.
- Use acidic juice – Sprinkling some lemon or lime juice helps prevent oxidation reactions.
- Blot with paper towel – Gently pat dry cut watermelon to absorb excess moisture before refrigerating.
Conclusion
Getting the most out of your watermelon depends on proper storage after cutting. With optimal refrigeration at 32-34°F, cut watermelon will stay fresh and delicious for 3-5 days. Freezing also allows you to enjoy watermelon long term. Just be sure to discard cut watermelon that shows any signs of spoilage like mold growth or an off smell. With proper handling, cut watermelon can be enjoyed for its sweet flavor and juicy crunch even after slicing into it.