Watermelon is a tasty and refreshing summer fruit. However, being bulky, it is not always easy to keep it. By cutting it into large pieces and keeping it in the fridge, you can keep it fresh for a few days. If you cut into cubes only the amount you intend to eat within a certain time interval and place it in an airtight container, you can always have fresh and delicious watermelon, to be enjoyed without waste. Storage in the freezer makes it last longer, not to mention that frozen watermelon can be added more easily to different types of recipes.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Store the Big Pieces
Step 1. If you have a whole watermelon, store it at room temperature
In fact, putting a whole watermelon in the refrigerator can compromise its nutritional value. If you're not going to cut it right away, it's best to keep it at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.
In any case, you should cut or freeze it within two weeks of purchase
Step 2. Wrap the cut part with cling film
If you have decided to cut the watermelon in two parts and want to keep half of it, wrap the cut part with cling film. You should wrap it tightly to prevent it from absorbing the smells or tastes of other foods you store in the fridge.
Step 3. Refrigerate the part you don't intend to use right away
Wrapped the watermelon with cling film, you can keep it in the refrigerator. However, you should still cut it up and use it (or freeze it) within three to four days.
Method 2 of 3: Store the Cut Watermelon
Step 1. Prepare only the amount of watermelon you need
If you cut one whole, you will have more fruit than you can eat. Cut it in half, then keep one of the parts in the fridge.
Step 2. Remove the peel from the watermelon
Cut the peel off the half you plan to use. To start, lay it flat on its side and cut it horizontally. Start at the top of the watermelon and follow the bend.
Step 3. Cut the watermelon into cubes
Cut the watermelon into slices, then cut the slices into rectangles and finally into cubes.
Step 4. Store the watermelon in an airtight container
However, even if you use such a container, the freshness and taste of the watermelon will be lost within three or four days. Make sure you eat it as soon as possible, otherwise the juice will run off the pulp, which will lose its characteristic flavor.
Method 3 of 3: Freeze the Watermelon
Step 1. Remove the peel
Cut the watermelon in half, then place the flat side on a cutting board. Using a large, sharp-bladed knife, peel off the skin starting with the top of the watermelon (which was originally one end of the watermelon). Then, slowly move the knife downward following the curvature. Repeat the procedure on the entire surface of the watermelon.
Step 2. Cut the watermelon
To get some cubes, you first need to slice it. The slices can be preserved or further cut into cubes. In this case, place each slice on a cutting board and cut it into cubes.
- For example, if you plan to use frozen watermelon to make a smoothie or ice cream, it's best to cut it into cubes.
- Cutting it into cubes is preferable even if you plan to use it as a snack. However, thawed watermelon is softer than fresh watermelon, so keep this in mind when freezing it.
- If you have limited space in the freezer, you can also freeze watermelon slices, as they stack more easily than cubes.
Step 3. Freeze the watermelon into a single layer
Spread the watermelon pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Put them in the freezer and let them solidify. You may need to check them every 10 minutes or so to see if they are frozen.
Step 4. Place the watermelon in an airtight container
Once it has solidified (for it to freeze, leave it in the freezer for about an hour), you can store it in an airtight container or bag. You can keep it in the freezer for up to six months.
