Watermelon is a delicious summer fruit, but to protect your health it is important to recognize when it is spoiled. One way to understand this is to observe the presence of mold or a bad smell; you should also refer to the expiration date.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Signs of Wasting
Step 1. Look for mold on the outer skin
The dark spots of these fungi on the outer portion of the fruit indicate that the pulp is spoiled; mold can be black, white or green and appear "hairy".
Step 2. Check that the skin color is healthy
Watermelon typically shows streaks of different shades or has a nice solid pine-green color. Fruits with a striped peel have lime-green sections alternating with darker green ones.
Step 3. Check that the pulp is red or dark pink
These colors indicate that the fruit is edible; if it has a different color, for example black, do not eat it.
The different varieties have different pulps; Desert King, Aragonese yellow watermelon and Orangeglo all have yellow or orange flesh
Step 4. Be wary of rough and dry fruits
When the watermelon is no longer edible, the pulp (which is usually crunchy) begins to dry out; it could also withdraw from the seeds. In other cases, it may become mushy and slimy.
Step 5. Smell the fruit before cutting it
A good edible watermelon should smell sweet and fresh; if it is sour or sour, the fruit is spoiled and you should throw it away.
Part 2 of 3: Evaluating Freshness from the Date
Step 1. Find the expiration date
If you are about to eat a pre-cut watermelon that you bought at the store, the package should have an expiration date or the best-before date. This information lets you know how much time you have before the fruit becomes spoiled.
Step 2. Eat a cut watermelon within five days
If well preserved, a slice lasts from three to five days; plan to consume it before it is no longer edible.
Step 3. Eat a whole, unrefrigerated fruit within 10 days
After about a week, a whole watermelon placed at room temperature begins to deteriorate; try to consume it as soon as possible.
Step 4. Don't eat that whole and refrigerated after 2-3 weeks
After this time the watermelon begins to rot even if you have kept it at a low temperature; to prevent this from happening, try to consume it within 15 days of purchase.
Part 3 of 3: Extend its Life
Step 1. Store it in the refrigerator, either whole or sliced
Watermelon should generally be stored at 13 ° C; if you leave it at room temperature (20 ° C), you favor the production of lycopene and beta-carotene, which are important antioxidants.
Step 2. Once cut, place it in airtight containers
The best packaging to use for storage is a sealable bag or container, as it preserves its flavor and freshness.
If you don't have anything better, wrap it tightly with cling film or aluminum foil
Step 3. Be careful when you decide to freeze watermelon
Some people advise against this technique, as the subsequent cutting or defrosting process releases all the juices. If you have decided to try it anyway and want to freeze the fruit, place it in airtight containers or in very thick bags; in this way it lasts for 10-12 months.
