Today our article is all about how to tell if watermelon is bad. Watermelon is an extraordinary summer delicacy with a mild sweet flavor. You may use it to make fruit salads, to accompany meals, to quench your thirst, and to consume anytime you like.
On the other hand, watermelon purchasing appears to be a gamble for many shoppers. You don’t want to wind up with a melon that isn’t ripe and tastes bad. Nothing is more disheartening than purchasing what you thought was a lovely watermelon from the local shop, only to cut it and find the fruit has gone bad.
So you might be thinking about how to tell if watermelon is bad? Unfortunately, it won’t stay forever, so before you eat it, you should find out if Watermelon goes bad and how long it lasts. Let’s see what happens.
What Is Watermelon?
A watermelon, also recognized by its scientifically known Citrullus lanatus, is a type of gourd. It also contains many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B6, and C.
Furthermore, they include potent antioxidants and amino acids, and lycopene, which aid in preventing body damage, infections, and even cancer. Boxed-shaped and heart-shaped melons are two of the most popular forms.
Does Watermelon ever go bad?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. There seems to be a rationale why farmers only harvest Watermelon when it is at the pinnacle of ripeness. They do it because Watermelon is one of the fruits that spoils rapidly and swiftly goes bad.
This truth also implies that Watermelon must get consumed as soon as possible. It suffices to say that Watermelon has a short shelf life, unlike certain fruits. Watermelons have a high water and sugar content, accounting for their short shelf life.
Consequently, germs such as bacteria may easily thrive in particular places. When the Watermelon gets cut, it almost tastes like sugar water. As a piece of advice, devour it all as soon as it reaches its peak.
How To Tell If Watermelon Is Bad?
So how to tell if watermelon is bad? There are several methods to determine if Watermelon has gone rotten. Examine these elements of your Watermelon to avoid a terrible shock when you bite into it.
Visual Inspection
Examining a watermelon with your eyes is the simplest method to know whether it has gone bad. When Watermelon degrades, it develops peculiar mold spots on its rind. Patches might be black, white, or dark green. There may be some puddles.
Watermelon should have varying dark and light green colors on the outside and a deep pink, reddish interior when it is fresh. Even after a watermelon has begun to rot, the exterior may appear to be in good condition.
When you check inside, though, you may notice symptoms of rotting. The discoloration is one such indication. A nice watermelon’s flesh is often scarlet or deep pink. As a result, if you see any yellowing, your Watermelon may be spoiled.
Tap the sides
Listen to the tapping of the Watermelon. The Watermelon is in good shape if it makes a deep sound. If the melon seems heavy, it’s either rotting or not yet ready. If the Watermelon produces a dull sound when you touch it, it’s mushy or decaying on the inside.
Smelling
The scent of your Watermelon might answer how to tell if watermelon is bad. Before buying something from the supermarket, always give it a proper sniff before bringing it home. Watermelons may not have much scent on the outside, but you could detect a subtle sweet smell.
If you discover any mold or mildew odors, throw them aside. The Watermelon’s inside is the same manner. If you’ve sliced it up and aren’t sure if it’s safe since it appears fine, sniff it for a pleasant aroma. It should smell as good as it tastes—a delightful light sweet fragrance.
Firm to Touch
There are specific visible cues that your Watermelon would no longer taste good. The skin should feel solid but slightly giving when pressing down with your fingertips. You don’t want to get something that is overly hard or soft.
If it’s squishy or soggy, the Watermelon has gone wrong and should get discarded right away. Look for splits in the Watermelon’s outer peel as well. Any trace of mold development signals that something is wrong as well.
Shape
Choose a round and symmetrical Watermelon. The Watermelon’s uneven form indicates that it is decaying on the inside. Scratches, dents, or irregular lumps on a watermelon suggest that it got insufficient water or was not well pollinated. Cuts or dents in Watermelon might indicate the presence of fungus or insects.
If your Watermelon has any of these characteristics, it is best to discard it.
Can you eat sour Watermelon?
Eating overripe Watermelon isn’t always a negative thing. On the other hand, Watermelon loses much of its attractive flavor when it degenerates. As a consequence, you may find it unpleasant to consume. Watermelon that has become overripe is often mealy. The crispness gives way to stiffness and grittiness, and the flavor becomes unpleasant.
How long does Watermelon last?
Watermelon, like other fruits, does not keep for long. You may keep the whole melon at room temp for approximately a week, or up to 10 days in some situations, without danger; if you keep it in the fridge, it will last three weeks.
Unfortunately, you must consume your Watermelon within a day after cutting it or store it refrigerated for 3 to 5 days after cutting it. According to its overall freshness, harvesting time, storage method before purchase, and extra care.
Final Thought
If you want to increase the consumption of this wonderful fruit during summer, don’t judge a watermelon just by its size. Instead, to successfully pick a nice watermelon for your meal, consider aspects such as scent, patch color, texture, and many others. With the impending change in weather, you might need it.
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