Before cutting the melon, thoroughly wash and scrub the entire melon with warm water using a clean produce brush. Bacteria from the outer rind can transfer to the inner flesh of the melon if you cut into it before washing. There is no need to use anything other than water when washing melons.
Are you supposed to wash a watermelon before you cut it?
Always wash melons and your other produce completely. This will help you remove any germs from the outside before you start cutting. Make sure that the knives and cutting boards you use are also clean. Always wash your hands before doing the cutting!
Do you need to wash watermelon inside?
It’s also why the CDC recommends that you rinse your fruits and vegetables before eating them. Yes, this includes melons like cantaloupes, honeydews, and watermelons. As the CDC confirms, even when you’re not consuming the peel or rind, fruit can still be contaminated if not rinsed properly.
Do people wash watermelons?
Well, even if you’re not planning on a mega-dose of fibrous skin and rind, there is a good reason to rinse off that melon: germs. The knife that cuts through the melon’s tough exterior can transfer nasty bugs to the sweet flesh you do consume.
Why should you wash a watermelon?
“You want to make sure that you wash them well before you cut into them. Because, if they are not washed, you’ll be introducing the bacteria that are on the outside of them into the fruit or vegetable.”
How do you clean and cut a watermelon?
Place the watermelon on one of the sides you cut off. Use a sharp knife and cut the rind off the fruit following the contour of the watermelon’s skin from top to bottom. Cut around the entire watermelon till the skin has been removed; continue cutting two to three inches deep following the white inner peel.
Is Cut watermelon a potentially hazardous food?
The bacteria enters the fruit’s flesh only when the melon is cut or sliced. Left unrefrigerated, the cut fruit provides the perfect environment for the growth of bacteria, such as salmonella, to levels that could infect humans.
Is pre cut watermelon safe to eat?
According to Consumer Reports, pre-cut produce is “more likely to be contaminated with bacteria.” Commercial processing facilities risk cross contamination because of how many fruits and vegetables are being handled at once, and consumers have no way of knowing if the prep areas, surfaces, or utensils are being
Does cut watermelon go bad if not refrigerated?
Cut watermelon has a substantially lower shelf life than the whole watermelon. When refrigerated, it preserves its quality for around 3 to 5 days. It only lasts about a day if left out at room temperature, so that’s not a good option.
Can watermelon carry E coli?
We observed a low prevalence of natural E. coli on the surfaces of the watermelon fruits (S1 Appendix). Out of 25 watermelons, 10 were positive for E. coli with five upper half and six lower half positive samples.
Should I wash my cantaloupe?
Foodborne illness prevention
Wash your cantaloupe: By scrubbing the exterior of the fruit with antibacterial soap, you can remove harmful bacteria from the rind before you cut into it. Washing the rind is a simple step, but it can make all the difference.
Is watermelon OK for dogs?
Only give your dog seedless watermelon or pieces of watermelon from which you’ve removed all of the seeds. Scoop out the fruit with a melon baller or cut it into small bites, being careful to remove any part of the rind.
Why should we rinse fruit before eating?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says washing your produce under running water can prevent you from becoming infected with food-borne illnesses like norovirus, which is the country’s leading cause of disease outbreaks from contaminated food.
How long can you keep cut watermelon in the fridge?
three to four days
Once watermelon is cut and cubed, store anything you’re not eating right away in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cut watermelon pieces are at their best when eaten within three to four days of being cut.
Why should we wash fruits before eating?
People should wash their fruits and vegetables under running water to prevent consuming contaminated produce. Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella can be present on produce. In recent years, people have developed foodborne illnesses from fruits and vegetables.
Can you eat watermelon seeds?
You don’t have to avoid eating watermelon seeds. In fact, you can use them in a number of different ways to enjoy their nutrition and flavor. For example, you can roast the watermelon seeds. Roasted watermelon seeds are packed with nutrients, and they also have healthy fatty acids, like omega-3s.
How do you store watermelons?
How to Store Watermelon
- Wait. Whole watermelon should be left at room temperature until ripe.
- Refrigerate. Once ripe, place the whole watermelon, uncovered, in the refrigerator.
- Seal. Once cut, seal cut watermelon halves or slices in a Glad® Zipper Bag.
- Refrigerate. Store in the refrigerator.
Does watermelon stain white?
TIP: Watch out for watermelon: The stains from this water-y fruit seem to disappear when they dry. If left untreated, however, the watermelon juice will oxidize into pale yellow or brown stains that are almost impossible to get out.
How do you cut a watermelon like a pro?
Simply cut the watermelon in half; turn it over so that the inside circle is face down on your cutting board and the thick skinned edge is facing up. Start at one side and cut one inch slices until you reach the other end. We’d love to say more, but that’s it!
Can you freeze watermelon?
Nothing evokes summer like fresh watermelon juice running down your chin. Capture the feeling of long summer days by tucking some watermelon into your freezer. If you’re thinking, “Are you sure—can you freeze watermelon?” The answer is a resounding yes.
When should you not eat watermelon?
If you take a bite and the fruit is sour or fizzy, spit it out and chuck the rest. A good rule of thumb is to eat pre-cut watermelon by the expiration date, or at the most, within five days of buying the fruit.