How Long Does Watermelon Last? 3 Best Storage Options

After you’ve chosen a nice and juicy watermelon from the store and done a great job of splitting it into chewable pieces, it is a good idea to understand how to preserve a watermelon so that you can keep it fresh for as long as necessary.

If you are wondering how long does watermelon last, the good thing is that watermelons have a long expiration date whilst they are in their skin when compared to other fruits.

Watermelons can last up to 3 or 4 weeks without losing their taste and color once they have been harvested, and there are a number of things you can do to ensure you get the maximum lifespan from them.

Is it possible for a watermelon to go bad?

Isn’t summer associated with watermelon? On a hot and sunny day, hardly anything beats a couple of slices of watermelon or watermelon-infused drinks.

However, it’s all too easy to get carried away and buy far more than we require. We buy the full fruit instead of a quarter or a half since it is cheaper. Within a day or 2, we begin to really consider the storage and lifespan of this juicy fruit.

It’s typically easy to decide if a sliced or diced watermelon is in good condition before you buy it, by looking out for signs of over-ripeness. To begin, look for slimy or squishy sections, black spots, or color loss. Over-ripeness can be detected in either of these ways.

Whereas the discolored patches will not make you feel ill, they will not taste very nice. If you see a part of the watermelon that has a slimy consistency, you should not buy it and should keep looking for a fresh piece.

It’s also worth giving the watermelon a sniff. If it has a sour taste, it is not good and should be discarded.

In summary, if the flesh doesn’t look or smell fresh and delicious, it probably isn’t, and discarding it is the best option.

How long does watermelon last: whole watermelon storage options

When you’re concerned about your watermelon deteriorating before you have cut it, put it in the refrigerator as a whole. An entire watermelon may be kept in the refrigerator for up to 21 days.

It may be the case that watermelon tastes better when it is stored at room temperature, and it may also be more nutritious when it is kept out of the fridge.

Therefore, unless you’re planning to keep your watermelon for weeks before eating it, you don’t need to figure out how to create room in your refrigerator for a plus-sized watermelon.

A watermelon’s shelf life may be increased by storing it in the refrigerator; however, keep it away from the freezer compartment to avoid freezing.

Watermelon doesn’t really freeze when it is whole; it turns deep red and the fluids merely run out when you open it up, revealing a hollow shell. As a result, freezing is not a recommended method of storing the whole watermelon, although you can store the cut pieces if you prepare them properly.

How long does watermelon last: sliced watermelon storage options

After you’ve cut into your watermelon, you certainly need to keep it in a fridge. This is due to the fact that when the fruit is chopped, its life span is drastically reduced.

You will only have 3 – 5 days to use the watermelon pieces once they are cut. After cutting a watermelon, one of the best methods to preserve it is in the refrigerator.

You can place your sliced or cubed watermelon in a lidded tub or sealed bag before storing it in the fridge.

While determining how long your watermelon will last, keep in mind how long it took for it to arrive at a local supermarket, as certain watermelons can travel longer distances through the seasons.

What is the ideal temperature for storing watermelon?

Watermelon is one of the best summer fruits, with its delicious, red, sugary pulp making it the ideal summer treat.

Watermelon is usually enjoyed when it becomes ripe, but knowing when to pluck and then how to sustain its freshness, may be difficult.

The temperature of the watermelon should be around 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit; any higher or colder will cause the juicy sweet flesh to degrade.

This also relies on when it was picked; if it had been harvested recently, it will last considerably much longer than one that has been sitting on a supermarket shelf for a week or two.

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Can you freeze watermelon?

If you have any remaining watermelon which you won’t be able to consume well before it goes bad, you could freeze it in chunks which will last up to one year. You can put the watermelon in a freezer-safe bag or plastic sack, or in a sealed tub with a lid.

But keep in mind that once you freeze watermelon, you must consume it when it is still frozen. Watermelon will lose its taste, texture, and color throughout the defrosting process.

Frozen watermelon pieces and a great refreshing summer snack, and the frozen watermelon chunks are also perfect for adding to smoothies and milkshakes.

How long does watermelon last: final thoughts

It’s hard to know if a watermelon is still edible if it is still whole. Naturally, if the outside is rotten or smells bad, it’s best to discard it. However, if there are a few little black patches or bruises, you won’t know if your watermelon is good until you cut into it.

The flesh will be ok if the exterior is solid, bruise-free, and reasonably consistent in color. You need to look within the watermelon to see whether it’s alright. That’s a matter of trial and error since a full watermelon lasts a lot longer than a sliced one.

So now you know the answer to the question: how long does watermelon last? You also know the best techniques for storing it. Note that sliced watermelon typically lasts approximately 2 hours around room temperature before needing to be stored, where it will stay fresh for another 5 days.

You may keep a full watermelon on the countertop for up to four weeks before eating it.