Watermelon is a great snack in hot weather, but for the sake of health, it is important to know whether your watermelon of choice is rotten or not. One way is to check for mold or an unpleasant odor. You can also refer to the expiration date to find out.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of a Rotten Watermelon
Step 1. Check for fungus on the skin
Mildew or dark patches on the rind could indicate that your watermelon is rotting. This fungus on the skin is black, white, or green, and looks hairy.
Step 2. Look for watermelons with healthy skins
The rind of the watermelon should be dark green or with a distinct hue. Watermelon with light green patterned skin alternating with dark green.
Step 3. Look for watermelons with dark pink or red flesh
These colors indicate that the watermelon is still fresh. If your watermelon is a different color (eg black), don't eat it.
Several varieties of watermelon have different flesh colors. Watermelon types Desert King, Tendergold, Yellow Baby, and Yellow Doll have yellow or orange flesh
Step 4. Be careful with the gritty and dry flesh of the watermelon
Watermelon flesh that is no longer fresh will start to shrivel. The flesh will even separate from the seeds. In other cases, the flesh of the fruit may look slimy and mushy.
Step 5. Smell the watermelon before cutting it
Fresh, edible watermelons should smell sweet and fresh. If it smells sour or pungent, it's a sign that the watermelon is rotting and should be thrown away.
Method 2 of 3: Measuring Freshness By Date
Step 1. Use the expiration date
If you eat a cut watermelon that you bought from the supermarket, the package should include the best time to eat and store it, or another expiration date. This date will help you figure out how long it will take before the watermelon rots.
Step 2. Eat watermelon cut in five days
Cut watermelons that are stored properly will stay fresh for three to five days. Eat the watermelon first to prevent it from rotting.
Step 3. Eat a whole watermelon stored at room temperature for ten days
After about a week, whole watermelons stored at room temperature will begin to rot. Eat whole watermelons stored at room temperature as soon as possible.
Step 4. Do not eat whole watermelons that have been refrigerated after 2-3 weeks
After about two weeks, whole watermelons stored in the refrigerator will begin to rot. To prevent this, eat within two weeks of purchase.
Method 3 of 3: Extending Watermelon Life in the Refrigerator
Step 1. Store whole or sliced watermelon in the refrigerator
Watermelon is usually stored in the refrigerator at 13 degrees Celsius. Storing fruit at 21 degrees Celsius will increase its lycopene and beta-carotene content (both are important antioxidants).
Step 2. Store the cut watermelon in an airtight container
Self-adhesive plastic bags or airtight containers are the best storage for watermelons as they retain their flavor and freshness.
If you have to, wrap the watermelon in aluminum foil or plastic wrap
Step 3. Be careful when freezing the watermelon
Some people don't recommend freezing watermelon, because when softened or cut, the flesh of the watermelon will release its starch. If you want to try your luck and freeze the watermelon, place it in an airtight container or a thick plastic freezer bag. Watermelon will remain edible for 10-12 months.
