How long is watermelon good for?
In this brief article, we will answer the question how long is watermelon good for and three ways to increase its shelf life
How long is watermelon good for?
Watermelon can be stored for 2 weeks, but in the refrigerator with proper storage conditions. The shelf life can be as long as three weeks if storage conditions are maintained
Uncut watermelon has thick skin around it and lasts for at least 7 to 10 days in the pantry. If they are stored in a refrigerator the shelf life increases to 2-3 weeks. Cut pieces of watermelon when stored in refrigerator stays fresh for long time than on pantry
Nutritional value of watermelon:
Watermelon is a summer fruit that is refreshing in nature and very nutritious for humans. It contains about 46 calories per serving. It is a vitamin rich fruit which provides Vitamin C, Vitamin A and many other healthy components.
Health benefits of watermelon:
Watermelon is very rich in nutrition with a large number of vitamins and minerals. It provides essential nutrients and is composed of a large amount of liquid. This watermelon juice contains a lot of water and that’s why it is refreshing in nature.
Some of the health benefits of watermelon are:
- It hydrates the skin and body by, it is known for its refreshing effect and cool aftertaste
- It contains nutrients which are beneficial to health and helps improve immunity system
- It has anti-inflammatory effect, it reduces oxidative stress and help body in this way
- It helps reduce muscular degeneration and relieve muscular soreness
- It is good for skin and hair due to its water content
Shelf life of watermelon:
Watermelon is shelf stable until provided proper storage conditions, it has thick skin but its water content is very high. It is shelf stable when it is not cut into pieces. The shelf life of uncut watermelon is just a week outside the refrigerator.
If proper conditions of temperature, moisture and air is provided the shelf life increases to 100 days. Similarly, a whole watermelon placed in the fridge stays safe for two to three weeks. Given the refrigeration capacity of fridge remains unchanged
In case of cut watermelon the risk of spoilage increases with time. A cut watermelon left open outside the refrigerator has a shelf life of one day. It is hardly two days or even one and a half days. In case you refrigerate it. The shelf life increases to 3-5 days but taste of watermelon changes
Other FAQs about Watermelon which you may be interested in.
How to store watermelon?
Watermelon is a famous fruit, consumed all around the world in the summer season. It has high moisture content and needs proper storage to maintain its quality. The shelf life is generally 2-3 weeks and sometimes days. It depends on how you store watermelon
Refrigerate it:
The shelf life of watermelon increases if you store it, as a whole or in cut slices. The shelf life of watermelon stored in the refrigerator is almost double the shelf life it has on the counter. There are some quality changes so it is better to consume watermelon fresh
Store in airtight container:
If you are trying to refrigerate cut watermelon, you should keep it in an airtight container or zip lock bag. Watermelon has high moisture content and when kept in the fridge the water starts to seep out. To avoid freeze burn and other quality deterioration, it is best to keep it in airtight container
Don’t freeze it:
Unlike other food products the shelf life of watermelon does not increase on freezing. In fact, it becomes dark and loses its taste, the effect also shown in its appearance. It may stay safe from microbial attack but its quality decreases.
How to tell if watermelon has gone bad:
Watermelon is not very shelf stable due to its high moisture content and you cannot freeze it. So it provides many major issues when it goes bad or spoils. Proper hygienic conditions and storage increases the shelf life of product but it is not always you find a good watermelon or it stays safe
- When buying watermelon always look at the appearance of watermelon, if the watermelon is round and symmetrical it is good
- One other factor that shows watermelon isn’t bad in taste is the yellow color at its bottom. If the bottom of watermelon is white, then it means it isn’t ripened enough
- A bad watermelon has cuts and bruises on it and the skin is cracked from some places
- In case a watermelon goes bad in refrigerator it starts to look a little black, this watermelon is still consumable
- If left open on counter watermelon may spoil, one identification is bad smell and off flavor
Consumption of spoiled watermelon, and in general too much consumption of watermelon causes diarrhea. It is better to discard bad watermelon and eat a balanced diet of watermelon
Conclusion:
In this brief article, we have answered the question how long is watermelon good for and three ways to increase its shelf life
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits
