How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last
How Long Does Cut Watermelon Last
Watermelon is one of summer’s most popular fruits, but it can lose its appeal if it goes bad. Fortunately, there are ways to store cut watermelon that will help keep it fresh longer.
Storing cut watermelon properly can determine how long the fruit lasts.
Storing cut watermelon properly can determine how long the fruit lasts.
Watermelon can be stored in the fridge for up to two days, and should be stored in a covered container or bowl to prevent moisture loss.
Watermelons should be stored in the fridge because they remain fresher longer at lower temperatures than room temperature. Watermelons are also sensitive to light and should therefore be kept away from windows so as not to prematurely ripen them. If you do not have enough space in your refrigerator, try storing your watermelon on an interior shelf rather than on one that gets direct sunlight during daylight hours (such as where most refrigerators have their vegetable bins).
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends storing all cut fruits and vegetables in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends storing all cut fruits and vegetables in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. This is for the safety of the fruit and vegetable, not to keep it from spoiling.
If you’re making watermelon slices for a party, you can store your cut watermelon in a covered container overnight at room temperature (50-70 degrees). You can also store it in the fridge, but it will have to be kept separate from other foods since watermelons are known to absorb flavors easily. If you are planning on cutting up your slice on site, however, refrigerate it immediately after cutting so that it doesn’t go bad before serving time!
Finally, if you don’t have access to a knife or don’t want to deal with cutting out tons of wedges on your own—or if someone else cut up your pre-cut slice while they were still cold—you have another option: place pieces into plastic bags! Just make sure they’re sealed properly before taking them home where they’ll stay fresh longer than two days without getting any worse off than just sitting around uncovered in some corner somewhere…
The internal temperature of a refrigerator should be no higher than 40 F, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
- The internal temperature of a refrigerator should be no higher than 40 F, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
- Monitor your refrigerator’s temperature regularly to make sure it stays at or below 40 F. If you notice that your fridge is warmer than this, check the location of your vegetable drawer and make sure it is not in direct sunlight or heating vents, as this can cause food on the lower shelves to spoil faster.
- Keep an eye out for unusual sounds coming from inside your refrigerator: if you hear humming noises coming from the freezer area only (indicating that it is working properly), there may be an issue with defrosting pipes or fans throughout the rest of the unit.* If you hear any buzzing noises coming from other parts of the interior, however–especially if these are accompanied by warm air blowing out through vents–then it may indicate a problem with cooling coils located inside that need replacing ASAP!
- A general rule-of-thumb is that if you cannot keep produce fresh for more than five days after purchasing it without having some sort of storage container (or covering) then consider tossing those bad boys away before they end up contaminating everything else in there too!
A covered, non-porous container or bowl with a paper towel beneath it can extend the storage life of cut watermelon by two to four days in the refrigerator, according to the University of Missouri Extension.
You can extend the storage life of cut watermelon by two to four days by storing it in a covered container or bowl with a paper towel beneath it, the University of Missouri Extension reports. The paper towel will absorb any moisture that may develop, whether from natural juices or watermelon juice that has been spilled on top of the cut fruit. The container or bowl should not be porous, as this would allow air to reach and spoil your fruit. Additionally, metal and glass containers are not recommended because they will conduct heat away from your watermelon more quickly than plastic ones do.
Cut watermelon should retain its color in the fridge and not be mushy or seem as if it has started to shrivel.
Cut watermelon should retain its color in the fridge and not be mushy or seem as if it has started to shrivel. The internal temperature of a refrigerator should be no higher than 40 F. If you are unsure whether your freezer is working properly, purchase an inexpensive thermometer that can be attached to the door with tape or placed on top of the appliance itself. A freezer that is not working properly will keep food frozen at temperatures above 0 degrees F, while a refrigerator usually operates at 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit (1-4 C).
Cut watermelon will last one to two days on average when stored properly.
Using a non-porous container, such as plastic or glass, is recommended by the USDA. These containers will keep moisture from evaporating and create ideal conditions for mold growth. Additionally, they keep harmful bacteria out of your fruit while you wait to eat it.
The USDA also recommends keeping cut watermelon in the fridge at 40 F or lower (but not freezing it). This temperature keeps most foodborne illnesses from thriving on your fruit, but it should still be eaten within two days (one day if you live in a hot climate). To make sure that doesn’t happen:
- Cover the cut melon with a paper towel before storing it in its container
- Use an airtight lid on top of that
- Cooler temperatures help prevent condensation from forming on the lid of your storage container—so if possible, use a cooler instead of just refrigerating
Your cut watermelon should last in the refrigerator for one to two days on average. If your cut watermelon is past its prime, it’s best to compost or feed it to animals rather than risking spoilage in your kitchen.