Watermelon is not only a refreshing fruit but also a particularly healthy fruit. Thus, everyone including children and adults likes to eat this fruit.
However, not every time of the year we have the opportunity to enjoy the delicious and sweet watermelons. Even some people who are addicted to this fruit buy and store watermelons to meet the craving at any time.
So, do you know how long does watermelon last? Keep reading this article because the answer will be revealed by us right now.
Benefits Of The Watermelon
Preventing Cancer
Researchers say the lycopene in watermelon reduces cancer risk by blocking insulin (IGF), a protein involved in cell division. High levels of IGF are associated with cancer. Besides, cucurbitacin E in watermelon has been studied for its ability to inhibit tumor growth.
Improving Cardiovascular Health
Lycopene in watermelon can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, which is the cause of cardiovascular disease. Watermelon also contains citrulline, an amino acid that can increase nitric oxide levels in the body. Nitric oxide helps blood circulation and reduces blood pressure.
In addition, other vitamins and minerals in watermelon like vitamins A, B6, C, magnesium, and potassium are also good for the heart.
Supporting Weight Loss
The citrulline in watermelon can prevent fat accumulation in cells, avoiding excessive weight gain and obesity. Watermelon juice is low in calories but potentially filling. Thus, drinking a glass before a meal can help curb cravings, thereby helping to lose weight.
Improving Your Skin And Hair
The vitamins A and C in watermelon help the body make collagen, a protein that keeps skin and hair strong. Both lycopene and beta-carotene can also help fight UV rays, sunburn, and skin cancer.
How Long Does Watermelon Last?
The exact answer to this question depends on many elements, such as the initial watermelon condition, temperature, and storage conditions.
With A Whole Watermelon
As you all know, whole foods can last longer than used or non-intact foods. Thus, when you buy uncut watermelons at a store or supermarket, it can keep good quality for about 7-10 days under normal temperature conditions.
Besides, if watermelons are stored in the fridge at a cooler temperature, 2-3 weeks later, they will start to appear food deterioration. Moreover, when properly stored in freezer bags, they can even retain freshness for about 10-12 months.
With A Cut Watermelon
Typically, many people tend to eat cut watermelons at supermarkets or fruit shops. There, sellers often cut watermelons into two or four equal parts depending on your needs.
Besides, sometimes, you buy the whole watermelon and cut it out, but you do not finish it all at once. At that time, how long does sliced watermelons last?
At room temperature, a cut watermelon can keep good quality for a day. Bacteria will easily get into your cut watermelon; therefore, it is better to store it with a sealable container in the refrigerator.
In this case, your cut watermelon can stay fresh for three to five days. Moreover, if you want to store it longer, you can freeze watermelon for quite a long time (10 months).
Note
When you buy a watermelon at some supermarkets, the packaging of the watermelon will have information about shelf life of watermelons. The watermelon expiration date will tell you how long it will lose its appetite.
- Read more: How Long Do Carrots Last After Harvest?
How Can You Tell If A Watermelon Is Bad?
Like many other fruits, watermelons go bad after a period of storage. If the apple turns brown when it is bad, or when the grape is wrinkled, it is time to discard it, the watermelon also shows signs of damage.
With A Whole Watermelon
If the skin of watermelon has bruises, purple spots, or white mold, it means that the watermelon has expired. The dark spots on the watermelon rind are indications that it is no longer fresh. Moldy areas are usually black, white, or green, and rough.
On the contrary, fresh and delicious watermelons must have a uniform green color. Besides, watermelons with stripes alternating light and dark green are also of good quality.
With A Cut Watermelon
A piece of watermelon that is dark pink or red indicates that the watermelon is still fresh. However, the color of each watermelon variety will be different. For example, in addition to red meat watermelon, there is also yellow or orange meat watermelon.
Therefore, when splitting the watermelon and you see black spots, it should be thrown away. In case the watermelon piece still looks good but has a sour smell, it is a sign that the melon is no longer guaranteed.
Delicious watermelons will have an eye-catching and crunchy texture. When the watermelon is no longer fresh, the flesh will begin to wither. Also, the flesh and seeds may be separate. In some cases, bad watermelons are also vicious and soft.
Some Notes When Preserving Watermelon
Do Not Wash Or Let Watermelon Touch Water
Washing watermelons and other fruits before storing them in the refrigerator will cause them to lose their natural outer protective layer. This will make it easier for bacteria to enter and spoil the food safety.
You should only wash a watermelon before using and processing. This is the first note on how to store fruit in the fridge longer.
- Read more: How To Store Potatoes Long Term
Put Watermelon In A Net Bag
You should put a fresh watermelon in a net bag or aluminum foil to preserve. Also, you should sort and arrange them appropriately into the refrigerator compartments to avoid food bumps or piling up together, causing smashing.
Cut Small Holes On Plastic Bags
If you do not have a net bag, you can use plastic bags. In this way of storage, you should cut a small hole so that the air can circulate, avoiding the secretions that make watermelons more quickly damaged.
Use Airtight Containers
In case you have cut your watermelon into small pieces for storage, using a plastic bag with a zipper or recipe box is the easiest way to store. This will help keep the taste and freshness of the watermelon.
Conclusion
With the data we have provided in the above article, surely you can answer the question “How long does watermelon last?” and recognize the demonstrations of a bad watermelon. Please pay attention to the expiration date of the watermelon to ensure safety for you and your loved ones.
Source: Gardening 101