Can you eat an overripe watermelon?
In this brief guide, we will answer the question “Can you eat an overripe watermelon?” and discuss how to tell if a watermelon has gone. We will also discuss its shelf life and how to store it properly.
Can you eat an overripe watermelon?
Yes, you can eat an overripe watermelon as long as it does not have signs of spoilage. An overripe watermelon may not have the crisp texture unlike a fresh, ripe one. The texture may be dry, grainy, or mushy.
Overripe watermelons may not taste as good or may have gaps around seeds indicating that it is dry but as long as it is not roten, you can eat it. You can also use it to make a bunch of other things such as making smoothies or drinks with it.
How to tell if a watermelon has gone bad?
You can tell if a watermelon has gone bad by looking for the following signs of spoilage.
- Inspect the skin for any discolorations or bruises. Any dark spots or squishy spots indicate that the watermelon has gone bad.
- Try squeezing the watermelon and see if it gives or not. If it does or if it feels very soft and mushy, then it has gone bad.
- Also look for mold. It can appear as gray or greenish fuzzy growth.
- If the skin looks intact, cut open the fruit and inspect its flesh for any discolorations or mushy texture.
- You can also smell it to see if it smells fine. If it smells sour or bitter then it has gone bad.
- If all else looks fine, taste it a little bit and see if it tastes ok. If it tastes bitter or rotten then throw it away.
How long do watermelons last?
The shelf life of a watermelon depends on how you store it. If you choose to store it in the pantry or on the countertop then it can last for about a week. If you store it in the fridge then it can last for about 10 days or 2 weeks.
If you have cut up the watermelon, then it is best to store it in the fridge where it can last for about 2-5 days. You should place it inside an airtight container or a container wrapped with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge. Do not let the cut up watermelon sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours because then it can get spoiled or contaminated.
How to properly store a watermelon?
Watermelons can be stored in the pantry, on the countertop or in the fridge depending on how soon you plan on eating them. You can place them in the pantry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight if you wish to have them within a couple of days or if you do not have enough space in the fridge.
You should keep them inside the fridge if you want to make them last for more than a week. Watermelons have a lot of water content so it is best to keep them inside the fridge even when whole to retain the water and avoid drying.
Cut up watermelon should be stored in the fridge after being wrapped with plastic wrap or by being placed in an airtight container or a ziploc bag.
Can you freeze watermelon?
Yes, you can freeze watermelon if you have to make it last for about 6 months. To freeze a watermelon, remove its skin and cut it up. Remove the seeds as well. Place a single layer of cut up watermelon on a sheet pan and freeze until solid. Then remove them from the sheet pan and transfer them into a freezer safe bag and place them back in the freezer.
Learn how to thaw frozen watermelon here.
Other FAQs about Watermelon that you may be interested in.
Can you eat watermelon with C. Diff?
Can you eat watermelon with diabetes?
Can you eat watermelon with diarrhea?
Can you eat watermelon with diverticulitis?
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you eat an overripe watermelon?” and discussed how to tell if a watermelon has gone. We also discussed its shelf life and how to store it properly.
